Common wheat (Triticum aestivum) Common wheat Common wheat (Triticum aestivum), or bread wheat, is the predominant cultivated wheat species. It yields flour used for bread and many foods and has been shaped by millennia of sel…
Companion planting: principles, history, and practical use Companion planting Companion planting is the deliberate placement of different plants together to improve growth, manage pests, attract pollinators, and make efficient use of space and resources.
Aggregate, multiple, and compound-ovary fruits: classification and developmental differences Compound fruit Overview of aggregate, multiple and compound-ovary fruits: clear definitions, developmental origins and diagnostic features to distinguish fruits from one flower, many flowers, or…
Conanthera — small Chilean bulbous flowering plants Conanthera Conanthera is a small genus of bulbous plants native to Chile, known for blue, purple or bicolored star-shaped flowers. Species reproduce by offsets and seed and are grown as ornam…
Conifer (Pinophyta): cone-bearing gymnosperms — overview and uses Conifer Conifers are cone-bearing gymnosperm trees and shrubs in the division Pinophyta. This article covers their features, reproduction, distribution, economic uses, and key genera.
Conifer cone (strobilus): structure, function and uses Conifer cone A conifer cone (strobilus) is the reproductive organ of conifers. This article explains male and female cones, their anatomy, reproduction, ecological roles, uses, and notable vari…
Container Gardening: Growing Plants in Pots, Boxes and Small Spaces Container garden Practical encyclopedia entry on container gardening: container types, potting mix, plant selection, care, design, benefits and limitations for balconies, patios and indoor spaces.
Convolvulaceae: the bindweed and morning-glory family Convolvulaceae A botanical overview of Convolvulaceae, the mostly vining family that includes morning glories and sweet potato: morphology, diversity, ecology, uses, notable species and distincti…
Conyza canadensis (Canadian horseweed) Conyza canadensis A widespread annual/winter-annual herb in the Asteraceae family, known as Canadian horseweed or marestail; common in disturbed sites and notable as a wind-dispersed, sometimes herb…
Cordaitales: extinct order of early woody gymnosperms Cordaitales Cordaitales were a group of extinct gymnosperm trees and shrubs that thrived in the Carboniferous and Permian; they had strap-like leaves and cone-like reproductive organs and may…
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): herb, spice and culinary uses Coriander Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the carrot family, grown for its aromatic leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander); used worldwide in cooking, medicine and culti…
Coriaria — genus of shrubs and small trees Coriaria Coriaria is the sole genus of the family Coriariaceae, comprising about 15–20 species of shrubs and small trees found across temperate to subtropical regions; several species are t…
Coriaria myrtifolia (redoul): description, toxicity, uses and distribution Coriaria myrtifolia Coriaria myrtifolia, commonly called redoul, is a Mediterranean shrub known for its tannin-rich leaves used in traditional tanning and for bright, poisonous fruits that require cau…
Coriaria nepalensis — Himalayan shrub with yellow flowers and red fruits Coriaria nepalensis A shrub native to the foothills of the Himalaya, Coriaria nepalensis produces clusters of yellow flowers in spring and showy red fruits in summer; it is notable for its ornamental…
Coriaria ruscifolia: a poisonous shrub or small tree Coriaria ruscifolia Coriaria ruscifolia is a shrub or small tree with bright red fruit-like structures. Commonly known for its toxic leaves and fruits, it occurs in montane regions and is notable for…
Cork oak (Quercus suber): ecology, cork production and uses Cork oak Quercus suber, the cork oak, is an evergreen Mediterranean tree whose thick bark supplies cork. This article covers its description, distribution, harvesting, economic role, ecolog…
Corm (plant): an underground, modified stem used for storage and regrowth Corm A corm is a swollen, underground plant stem that stores nutrients and supports seasonal dormancy. It differs from bulbs, tubers and rhizomes and is important for propagation, food…
Cornales: an overview of the basal asterid order Cornales Cornales is an order of flowering plants—about 600 species—characterized by four-parted flowers, fleshy drupes and disc-shaped nectaries; includes dogwoods, tupelos and hydrangea r…
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) — bachelor's button Cornflower Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is an annual European wildflower widely grown as an ornamental and valued for its vivid blue blooms, garden uses, cultural symbolism and ecological ro…
Cornus canadensis (bunchberry): description, ecology and uses Cornus canadensis Cornus canadensis, the low-growing bunchberry dogwood, is a circumboreal groundcover notable for its whorled leaves, white bracted flowers and an explosive pollen-release mechanism…
Cotton: Biology, History, Uses and Production Cotton Cotton is a soft, natural fiber grown around seeds of the cotton plant. This article explains its botanical traits, history, processing, major uses, and some environmental and econ…
Cotton Plant, Arkansas Small city in Woodruff County, Arkansas, historically tied to the cotton economy; a rural community in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain with agricultural roots and local landmarks.
Cotyledon (seed leaf): definition, types, function and importance Cotyledon Cotyledons are the first leaves formed inside a seed. This article explains their structure, role during germination, differences between monocots and dicots, common examples, and…
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata): overview, varieties, uses and cultivation Cowpea Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a drought-tolerant legume cultivated for its nutritious seeds, young pods and fodder. Important in Africa, Asia and the Americas for food security and…
Cranberry — botany, habitat, cultivation, uses and cultural importance Cranberry Cranberries are tart red berries from low creeping shrubs in cool acidic wetlands; cultivated for food and processing, valued for culinary uses and studied for their nutritional co…
Crassulaceae — the orpine (succulent) family of flowering plants Crassulaceae Crassulaceae, the orpine family, comprises about 1,400 mostly succulent species in ~33 genera. Widely distributed, they are adapted to dry or cold habitats and are important in hor…
Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia): ornamental trees and shrubs Crepe myrtle Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are multi-stemmed ornamental trees and shrubs prized for summer flower clusters, smooth peeling bark, fall color and drought tolerance; widely grown i…
Crinum: bulbous flowering plants of the Amaryllidaceae family Crinum Crinum is a genus of about 180 bulbous, lily-like perennial plants in the Amaryllidaceae, noted for large showy flowers on leafless scapes; grown in tropical and subtropical garden…
Crocus: cormous flowering plants and the source of saffron Crocus Crocus is a genus of about 80 bulb-like perennials in the iris family, grown for showy early- or late-season flowers and including the saffron-producing Crocus sativus. Native acro…
Crop (cultivated plant) Crop A crop is a plant intentionally grown and managed by people for food, fibres, medicines or other products; this article explains types, history, cultivation and significance.
Crop protection: methods, history and environmental considerations Crop protection Comprehensive overview of crop protection: goals, major methods (chemical, biological, cultural, genetic, mechanical), history, examples, environmental impacts and resistance manag…
Crossosomatales Crossosomatales is a small order of flowering plants (eudicots, rosids) recognized by modern molecular classifications; it groups several related families of mainly woody plants wi…
Crotonoideae (subfamily of Euphorbiaceae) Crotonoideae Crotonoideae is a subfamily of the Euphorbiaceae in the order Malpighiales. It includes genera such as Croton and Codiaeum and comprises a wide range of trees, shrubs and herbs wit…
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii): Overview, History, and Uses Crown of thorns A woody succulent of the Euphorbia genus native to Madagascar, commonly called crown of thorns. Cultivated worldwide for its spiny form and long-lasting blooms, with cultural and h…
Cubeb (Piper cubeba): Tailed Pepper, Aromatic Spice and Essential Oil Cubeb Cubeb (Piper cubeba), or tailed/Java pepper, is a Southeast Asian spice made from dried unripe berries and their aromatic essential oil, used for cooking, flavoring and traditional…
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Cucumber Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely cultivated gourd grown for its crisp, hydrating fruits. Used fresh, pickled, or cooked, it has culinary, horticultural and cosmetic roles acr…
Cucurbitaceae — the gourd family of cucumbers, squashes, melons and more Cucurbitaceae Cucurbitaceae, the gourd or cucurbit family, comprises many vining plants cultivated for fruits, seeds and fiber, including cucumbers, squashes, pumpkins, melons, luffas and waterm…
Cucurbitales — the order of gourds, begonias and related flowering plants Cucurbitales Cucurbitales is an order of mostly tropical flowering plants in the rosid clade, including gourds (Cucurbitaceae) and begonias (Begoniaceae). Members range from herbs and climbers…
Cultigen: plants produced or altered by human cultivation Cultigen An overview of cultigens — plants shaped or maintained by human selection and cultivation — covering definitions, history, taxonomy, examples, conservation and practical issues.
Cultivar: intentionally selected plant varieties for cultivation and trade Cultivar A cultivar is a deliberately selected plant variety maintained for specific traits. This article explains what cultivars are, how they are named, their origins, uses, and how they…
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum): characteristics, uses and cultural history Cumin Cumin is an aromatic spice from the seeds of Cuminum cyminum, used worldwide in many cuisines and traditional medicines. This article covers its botany, culinary roles, varieties a…
Cupressus cashmeriana (Bhutan cypress) Cupressus cashmeriana An evergreen conifer of the eastern Himalaya, known for its pendulous branches and cultural importance in Bhutan; grown as an ornamental and conserved in native and introduced rang…
Cupressus sempervirens (Mediterranean cypress) Cupressus sempervirens An evergreen conifer native to the eastern Mediterranean, valued for its tall columnar form, cultural symbolism, and use in landscaping, timber, and shelterbelts worldwide.
Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum): Amazonian fruit, uses, and characteristics Cupuaçu Cupuaçu is an Amazonian tree related to cacao. Its fragrant pulp and heat‑stable seed fat are used in foods, cosmetics and timber; cultivated widely in northern Brazil, especially…
Curry tree (Murraya koenigii): description, uses and cultivation Curry tree Evergreen tropical tree prized for its aromatic leaves in South Asian cuisine. Overview of appearance, distribution, cultivation, culinary and traditional uses, harvesting, storage…
Cycad: Ancient seed plants — biology, history, and conservation Cycad An overview of cycads: morphology, reproduction, fossil history, ecological relationships, toxicology, human uses, horticulture, and conservation of these ancient gymnosperms.
Cycas — ancient gymnosperms: description, distribution, uses and conservation Cycas Cycas is the sole living genus of Cycadaceae: palm‑like, slow‑growing gymnosperms of Old World tropics and subtropics with over 100 species, traditional uses, toxic seeds, and impo…
Cyclamen: tuberous Mediterranean flowering plants Cyclamen Cyclamen are tuberous perennial flowering plants from the Mediterranean region, valued for heart-shaped, often variegated leaves and reflexed-petaled flowers; grown outdoors and as…
