Flora Frangipani Characteristics: The Frangipani is an extremely fragrant flower, and often ranges from white with yellow

centers to variations of pink. Each flower has 5 petals. Growth Conditions: Frangipanis hardy plants and do not need much care. However, at least 6 hours in direct sunlight daily is required for maximum flowering. They grow best in hot, dry climates. Uses: The flowers are often used as accessories such leis. Perfumes, therapeutic oils and creams are also made from the plant. are

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Heliconia Characteristics: The Heliconia plant is paddle-shaped and is related to the banana family they can be found in orange, purple, red, yellow, pink, green or a combination of these. The flowers are tiny and found inside bracts at the base of the Heliconia. Some Heliconia have upright facing flowers while others have flowers that dangle from the main stem. Growth Conditions: They are found throughout the tropics and common in the rainforest. Heliconias thrive in direct sunlight, although there are some species of Heliconia which which enjoy shade. They should have plenty of water. Uses: They are used in flower arrangements and are also used for foliage as they can reach 8 feet in height.

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Money Plant Characteristics: The Money Plant have round, dark green, peltate leaves and are climber plants with a sticky sap to stick onto the surface on which it is climbing on.

Growth Conditions: The Money Plant needs moist soil and prefers shade. They require very little care and will die if given too much water or fertiliser. Uses: The plant is purely decorative and is believed to bring prosperity to families. It is also used in flower arrangements.

Birds Nest Fern Characteristics: It is a large, leafy, fern that has green, tongue-shaped fronds of the birds nest fern are whole and spring from the centre of the plant. Spores litter the underside of the leaves. Growth Conditions: The birds nest grows well under high humidity and needs some sunlight to thrive. They require quite a lot of care and regular watering, though only in specific places of the soil. The fronds are also easily damaged. Uses: The fern is not poisonous and is occasionally eaten by an aboriginal tribe in Malaysia. The Malays used to use a decoction of the leaves to ease labour pains in childbirth. It is now commonly used for garden landscaping.

Fishtail Palm Characteristics: This is the only palm that subdivides twice. The shapes of the leaflets are like fish tails, thus its name. They reproduce from suckers and their fruits are roundish and turn a purplish colour when they ripen. Growth Conditions: The fishtail palm requires light and is shallow-rooted. The palm cannot withstand cold temperatures and requires a hot climate to grow. Uses: An edible starch can be extracted from the stem and the palm heart can be eaten. Its sap is tapped to be made into palm sugar or fermented to make toddy. The fuzz from the young leaves is used as tinder to s tart a fire and the leaves are used for thatching and weaving in India.