Exotic Plants

The Funk Library collections include a variety of materialson “exotic” plant life. Exotic species are plants that havebeen introduced, by humans, to an area they are notnative to, usually for decorative or ornamental purposes.Sometimes exotic species can become invasive and disruptnative plant ecosystems. Most of the following examplesare “exotic” plants for the Funk Library because they arenot native to the United States.

Canna lily, native to Central & South America, with some varieties native to the southern US

Bold and exotic plantsBy Noël Kingsbury.New York: Watson-Guptill, 2000.Q. 715 K611b

Clockwise, from top left: Aphelandra aurantiaca, “fiery spike,” native to Central & South America

Clerodendrum thomsonae, “bleeding heart,” native to West Africa

Neomarica gracilis, native to Central & South America

Hoya carnosa variegate, native to India, Burma, China, & Australia

Exotica: pictorial cyclopedia of exotic plantsBy Alfred Byrd Graf.East Rutherford, New Jersey: Roehrs Co., 1982.634.35 G757e 1982 v.2 [ACES Reference]

Acanthus mollis latifolius, native to Southern Europe & northwestern Africa

The exotic gardenBy Myles Challis. London: Fourth Estate, 1988.635.952 C352E

Justicia brandegeeana, or “shrimp plant,” native to Mexico

Encyclopedia of Exotic plants for temperate climatesBy Will Giles.Portland: Timber Press, 2007.Q. 635.903 G391e [ACES Reference]

Giant Grenadilla (PassifloraQuadrangularis), native to Central & South America

Exotic plants of the worldBy Marcel Belvianes.New York: Hanover House, 1957.581.9 B41BEH

Examples of Bromeliaceae(Bromeliads), native to Central & South America

Exotic plant manualBy Alfred Byrd Graf.East Rutherford, New Jersey: Roehrs Co., 1978.634.35 G757EX1978 [ACES Reference]

For more books and resources about exotic plant life, visit the

Funk Library!