School Science Lessons
Biology
2026-07-21

Genus names P, (Pachira to Phytolacca)


Malabar chestnut, (Pachira aquatica), Guiana chestnut, Guyana chestnut, saba nuts, money tree, grows in swamps, ornamental sold with braided trunk, (houseplant), Central and South America, Malvaceae
Pachira glabra, Malabar chestnut, Daley's Fruit Trees

Saba nut, (Pachira glabra), evergreen tree, up to 15 m, seeds rich in oil, African food crop, tastes like peanuts, grown as exotic pot plant, Malvaceae

Pochote, (Pachira quinata), lumber plantations, Central America, Malvaceae

Club foot, (Pachypodium lamerei), up to 2.5 m, semi-tropical semi-deciduous succulent tree, like a thin pineapple with large bulbous trunk and long green leaves, fragrant white flowers with yellow centres, sold as the popular "Madagascar palm" for gardens, (not a palm, Arecaceae!), Apocynaceae

Elephant's trunk, (Pachypodium namaquanum), half-mens, lives in very arid areas, single stem succulent, slow growing for a hundred years old or more, single-stemmed succulent plant, up to 2.5 m, cylindrical trunk thickens at the base and tapers to the top for bottle-like appearance, top of the plant bent to the North, sharp spines protrude from knob-like projections on the stem, green-grey velvety leaves, velvet-textured flowers red on the inside and yellow-green outside with dark red-tipped petals, twin pencil-thin tapering follicles joined at the base, seeds attached to white hairs like parachutes, Southern Africa, Apocynaceae

Jicama, (Pachyrhizus erosus), yam bean, root vegetable, vine, peeled large taproot eaten cooked or raw, tastes like apple, Philippines, Fabaceae

Lollipop plant, (Pachystachys lutea), cone-shaped yellow flower heads, white flowers within yellow bracts, (houseplant), Acanthaceae

Golden ragwort, (Packera aurea), life root, squaw weed, St. James wort, life root, herbal medicine, dangerous alkaloids | Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) | in "women's tonics", North America, Asteraceae

Skunkvine, (Paederia foetida), stinkvine, akar sekentut (Malay), pilau maile (Hawaiian), Chinese fever vine, perennial climbing herb, perennial twining vine, woody rootstock, up to 7 m long, prostrate stems root at the nodes, opposite hairless oval leaves conspicuous stipules, small lilac flowers with dark pink throat, hairy petals fused to form a tube, shiny yellow-brown capsules, black rounded seeds dotted with white crystals, eaten raw or steamed, folk medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism and fever, strong, sulphurous odour exuded when leaves or stems are crushed or bruised, oil contains mainly dimethyl disulphide, leaves contain high amount of vitamin C, ornamental, Melanesia, Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands, naturalised in North America, invasive on Christmas Island, Australia, Rubiaceae

Chinese peony, (Paeonia lactiflora), common garden peony, white peony, bai shao, herbal medicine, dried herb sold as root, China, Paeoniaceae

Tree peony, (Paeonia suffruticosa), mountain peony, moutan cortex, mudan, seasonal indoor potted plant, paenol, formerly Chinese national flower, known as "king of flowers", China, Paeoniaceae

Gutta-percha, (Palaquium gutta), seeds used to make candles, latex used to make gutta-percha, (electricity insulation, golf balls), distilled to produce isoprene, C5H6, Sapotaceae

Ginseng, (Panax ginseng), Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, "true ginseng", Korean ginseng, "ren shen", roots looks like human body, herbal medicine, anti-stress "adaptogen", energy tonic, diabetes, respiratory infections, stress | Ginsenoside RG1 | Araliaceae
Dried herb is sold as root and root powder.
The name "ginseng" usually refers to (Panax ginseng) and (Panax quinquefolius), Araliaceae

Chinese ginseng, (Panax notoginseng), notoginseng, Sanqui or Tienqi ginseng | Notoginsenoside | Araliaceae
Dried herb is sold as root and root powder.

Himalayan ginseng, (Panax pseudoginseng) | Ginsenoside RG1 | Araliaceae

American ginseng, (Panax quinquefolius), herbaceous perennial, Chinese traditional medicine, slow-growing shrub, up to 50 cm, sweet taste, like small parsnip, three leaves | Ginsenoside RG1 | fleshy root, popular herbal medicine, rare wild in North America, so now cultivated in China, Araliaceae
Patients with high blood pressure should not use it bcause it may cause irritability.
See diagram: (Panax ginseng), American ginseng American ginsen root

Sea daffodil, (Pancratium maritimum), sand lily, may be mentioned in Song of Solomon in the Bible, Mediterranean region, Amaryllidaceae

Pandan, (Pandanus amaryllifolius), edible pandanas, pápalo, pandan, rumpa, perennial, 1 metre +, "amazing fragrance", herbal medicine, culinary uses, flavour rice, savoury sweets dishes, Pandanaceae
Pandanus amaryllifolius, Daleys Fruit Trees

Screw palm, (Pandanus conicus), up to 10 m, large multibranched crown, solitary trunk, tropical landscape use, Australia, Pandanaceae

Screwpine, (Pandanus odifer), pandanus palm, pandang padang, perfumed flowers, source of aromatic attar of kewda (keora, kewra), palm-like evergreens, sword-shaped. spiny leaves, fruit like a pineapple, leaves used to flavour rice dishes and wrap meats, aromatic flowers used to flavour sweets | Acetylpyrrolidine | tropical and sub-tropical, India, Polynesia, Australian native food, Pandanaceae

Swamp pandan, (Pandanus solms-laubachii), edible wedge-shaped fruit segments, major source of food in coral atolls of Pacific Islands, fibres for basket weaving, leaves for thatching, folk medicine, Australia, Pacific Islands, Pandanaceae

Tahitian screwpine, (Pandanus tectorius), native screwpine, hala fruit, mangrove margins, beaches, fruit eaten raw or cooked, atolls, herbal medicine, widely propagated, Micronesia, Pandanaceae
Pandanus tectorius, Daleys Fruit Trees

Common screwpine, (Pandanus utilis), fibres for ropes, baskets, roof thatching, Madagasgar, Mauritius, Pandanaceae
Pandanas species are called screwpines.

Bower vine, (Pandorea jasminoides), bower of beauty, climber, to over 4 m, hardy, vigorous evergreen twining plant, floral display, pale pink flowers with a deep pink throat or white flowered variety "Lady Di", grow in full sun to partial shade with good drainage on a fence or trellis or in large pots, ornamental tree but aggressive root system, groundcover, Australia, Bignoniaceae

Yellow-flowered wonga vine, (Pandorea floribunda), woody scrambler or climber, twining stems to 20cm thick, tropical Australia, Bignoniaceae

Wonga wonga vine, (Pandorea pandorana), climber, creamy trumpet-shaped flowers, "Ruby Belle variety, ornamental tree, Australia, Bignoniaceae

Blue panicgrass, (Panicum antidotale), blue panic, panic grass, crab grass, switch grass, hamil grass, green panic, beaked panicum grass, pasture grass, Poaceae

Marikari grass, (Panicum coloratum var. mararikariense), pasture grass, Poaceae

Native millet, (Panicum decompositum), Australian millet, papa grass, umbrella grass, hairless leaves, up to 50 cm long, seed spikes, seeds hand-harvested to make traditional damper bread, stock pasture, Australian native food, Poaceae

Guinea grass, (Panicum maximum), hamil grass, well adapted to high rainfall tropical lowlands, robust, erect, Poaceae

Green panic, (Panicum maximum, var. (Trichoglume), palatable, shade tolerant, combines well with Siratro, and Greenleaf desmodium, Poaceae

Common millet, (Panicum miliaceum), proso millet, ancient grain, grown for birdseed, deficient in lysine, does not contain gluten so health food, suitable for dryland farming, China, Poaceae

Poppy, (Papaver rhoeas), common poppy, (Latin pappa 'food or milk'), (Greek rhoeas), 'corn poppy, red poppy'), Flanders poppy, (symbol of World War I dead soldiers, "Poppy Day"), annual herb, up to 60 cm, white latex, slender roots
Leaves are pinnately lobed, cut or toothed, stiffly hairy, basal leaves stalked, upper leaves sessile, young leaves can be eaten raw
Showy scarlet flowers on long hairy stalks, two free sepals, four rounded overlapping red petals, fruit a smooth hairless capsule
Small seeds through pores at top of capsule, can lie dormant in soil for over 80 years, one plant can produce up to 60, 000 seeds
Folk medicine, expectorant, sedative, treat mild pain, earache, toothache, neuralgia, petal infusion to treat coughs, insomnia and poor digestion, red dye from petals used in medicines and wines, dried petals used to colour a potpourri, symbol of remembrance, "Poppy Day", eastern Mediterranean region, Papaveraceae
Papaver species: | Alpinine | Amurensine | Magnoflorine | Pronuciferine | Reticuline | Rhoeadine | Salutaridine | Papaveraceae

Alpine poppy, (Papaver alpinum), dwarf poppy | Alpinine | Amurensine | Papaveraceae

Iranian poppy, (Papaver bracteatum), Persian poppy | Bracteoline | Neopine | Salutaridine | Thebane | Papaveraceae

Bride rose poppy, (Papaver fugax) |Armepavine | Mecambrine | Thebane | Noscapine | Rhoeadine | Turkey, Papaveraceae

Iceland poppy, (Papaver nudicaule), short-lived perennial, self-seeding, hairy stems, delicate bowl-shaped flowers, | Dhurrin | toxic, northern Europe and Asia, Papaveraceae
Iceland poppy variety, (Papaver nudicale var. amurense) | Amurensine | Amurine | Papaveraceae

Oriental poppy, (Papaver orientale), vivid coloured perennial, favoured garden plant, Turkey, Papaveraceae

Arctic poppy, (Papaver radicatum), rooted poppy, yellow poppy, alpine arctic regions, one of most northern species, Papaveraceae

Opium poppy, (Papaver somniferum), (Greek opion 'poppy juice'), breadseed poppy, white poppy, wild poppy, red poppy | Caffeic acid | Codeine | Laudanidine | Laudanosine | Morphine | Noscapine | Narcotoline | Neopine | Papaverine | Sanguinarine | Thebane | dangerous herbal medicine, Papaveraceae
Poppy seed, (Papaver somniferum subsp. horternse), have nutty taste, used to flavour cakes and bread, edible poppy seed oil, or cooked and used to flavour soups and salads. herbal medicine, Papaveraceae
In 2019, Brisbane workers were tested positive for morphine after eating poppyseed bread, because as little as one teaspoon of culinary poppy seeds can return positive readings for opiates from drug test urine samples, depending on the yield of the poppy seed

Venus' slipper, (Paphiopedilum insigne), slipper orchid, India, Orchidaceae, Paphiopedilum and 4 other genera are all called "lady's slipper orchid"

Digger speedwell, (Parahebe perfoliata), digger's speedwell, sprawling evergreen perennial, up to 70 cm, ovate leathery leaves, racemes of clear blue flowers on bending stems, Australia, Scrophulariaceae

Snow wood, (Pararchidendron pruinosum), stinkwood, spreading tree, flowers in a globular head, flat pod fruit, tropical Australia, Fabaceae

Richmond birdwing butterfly vine, (Pararistolochia praevenosa), large woody climber, dense brown hairs, tropical Australia, Apocynaceae

Pellitory-of-the-wall, (Parietaria judaica), spreading pellitory, sticky-weed, asthma weed. because of allergenic pollen, up to 80 cm, ovate leaves, inconspicuous green flowers, grows on walls and rocky places herbal medicine, acne, freckles, temporary, relief from discomfort of haemorrhoids, noxious weed in Australia, Europe, Urticaceae

Eastern pellitory-of-the-wall, (Parietaria officinalis), upright pellitory, lichwort, allergenic pollen, herbal medicine, Urticaceae

Herb Paris, (Paris quadrifolia), true lover's knot, single flower and four leaves in cross shape, unbranched stem | Paradin glucoside | poisonous, Melanthiaceae

Jerusalem thorn, (Parkinsonia aculeata), jelly bean tree, palo verde, horsebean, ornamental shade tree, hairless shrub, up to 10 m, zigzag branches with sharp spines, widespread invasive, tropical America, Fabaceae

Parthenium weed, (Parthenium hysterophorus), Santa Maria feverfew, whitetop weed, famine weed, carrot grass, vigorous species, colonises weak pastures with sparse ground cover, contact with plant or the pollen can cause dermatitis and hay fever, widespread invasive, American tropics, Asteraceae

Virginia creeper, (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), "virgin ivy", five-finger, ornamental grape vine, deciduous, profuse purple autumn foliage, raphides, North America, Mexico, Vitaceae

Paspalum, (Paspalum dilatatum), Dallis grass, pasture grass, long-lived tufted grass, to 1.5 m, suited to fertile irrigated soils, seed heads infected by ergot can affect stock health, low viability seed, Poaceae

Broad-leaved paspalum, (Paspalum mandiocanum), produces a large number of seeds, has a high germination rate, and grows quickly, particularly after rainfall. hardy and adaptable, smothers less competitive grasses by spreading horizontally, and can out-compete native pasture grasses, invasive, Brazil, Poaceae

Plicatum, (Paspalum plicatulum), pasture grass, permanent pasture in seasonally poorly drained, low fertility soils, Poaceae

Kodo millet, (Paspalum scrobiculatum), hardy, drought tolerant crop, annual grain crop grown primarily in Nepal, Asia, West Africa, Poaceae

Passionfruit, (Passiflora edulis), purple granadilla, purple passionfruit, black passionfruit, hardy plant, prolific evergreen vine, fast-growing, fruit, medium size, purple, subacid, juicy, many seeds, fresh, juice, sherbet, grown from seeds, cuttings, grafting | Sorbose | Brazil, Passifloraceae
Passiflora edulis, Passion fruit, Daleys Fruit Trees
| Heterodendrin | Linamarin | Linustatin | Lotoaustralin | Neolinustatin | Volkenin | Passifloraceae
Passifloraceae, the passion-flower family, fruit are called granadilla and unripe fruits are poisonous.

Blue passion flower, (Passiflora caerulea), common passionflower, may apple, fruit has bland taste, folk medicine, wall-climber, groundcover. Passifloraceae

Yellow passionfruit, (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa), granadilla, medium vine, evergreen, fast growing fruit, medium, juicy, subacid, yellow, culinary uses, fresh, juice, sherbet, grown from seeds, cuttings, grafting, Brazil, Passifloraceae

Wild passionfruit, (Passiflora foetida), wild maracuja, climber using tendrils in leaf axils, strong "foetid" smell from crushed leaves, possibly insectivorous, small fruit with blue-white pulp, fruit may be eaten raw, but skin of green fruit highly toxic, irritating resin from leaf glands, North America, Australia, Passifloraceae

Passionflower, (Passiflora incarnata), maypop, purple passionflower, true passionflower, wild passion vine, triple-curled passionflower, hardy perennial vine, grows wild in North America | Harmaline | Harman | Harmine | herbal medicine, sedative, nervous diseases, insomnia, contains flavonoids, use with monamine oxidase inhibitor drugs, (MAOI drugs), alcohol, other sedative-hypnotic drugs, anticoagulants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may cause additive effects, North America, Passifloraceae
Passion Flower, (Passiflora incarnata), Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Passion Flower-Australiangrown, (Passiflora incarnata), Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Passion Flower tea, (Passiflora incarnata), Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Dried herb is sold as aerials.

Granadilla, (Passiflora ligularis), sweet granadilla, evergreen climbing shrub, Passifloraceae
Granadilla, grenadia, is also called "passionfruit" or "sweet passionfruit" or "sweet granadilla" and its fruit is called a "granadilla", is said to be "best-tasting passionfruit in the world", hard-shelled, orange-yellow fruit contains white aromatic edible pulp around the hard black seeds, pulp contains vitamins, South America, Passifloraceae.
Sweet Granadilla - Passionfruit, Daly's Fruit Trees

Sweet calabash, (Passiflora maliformis), conch apple, wild purple passionfruit, hardy plant, 50 cm, flowers for many months of year, hard shell, sweet flavour, dry shells like gourds so valued for craft work, high nutritional value, Brazil, Passifloraceae

Giant granadilla, (Passiflora quadrangularis), Japanese passionfruit, large perennial vine, scented flowers, largest oblong greenish yellow seeds, embedded in sub-acid pulp, juice cooked, fast growing, grown from cuttings, may need hand pollination | Noradrenaline | tropical America, Passifloraceae

Banana passionfruit, (Passiflora tarminiana), banana poka, invasive vine, straight floral tube, high climber, invasive, New Zealand, Passifloraceae

Parsnip, (Pastinaca sativa), (Latin pastinare 'dig the ground'), wild parsnip, yellow flat-topped flower clusters, invasive, sap can cause severe burns, root vegetable for cooler climates, use fresh seed because poor germination rate, up to 4 weeks to germinate, 20 weeks to reach full maturity, Asia, Europe

Guarana, (Paullinia cupana), yoco yoco, bread and cheese, seeds and bark used as a beverage, climbing plant, large leaves and bean-like black seeds | over 2% Caffeine | Catechins | Theobromine | Theophylline | herbal medicine, stimulant, Brazil, Sapindaceae

Princess tree, (Paulownia tomentosa), foxglove tree, , empress tree, kiri, fast growing, invasive, dried herb sold as seed powder, China, Paulowniaceae

Yohimbe, (Pausinystalia johimbe), bark contains | Yohimbe, C21H26N2O3 | herbal medicine, supposed to cure erectile dysfunction, Central Africa, Rubiaceae

Butterfly bush, (Pavetta australiensis), up to 5 m, very showy white flowered bushy shrub, warm sheltered semi-shaded moist site, Australian native species. Australia, Rubiaceae

Zigzag plant, (Pedilanthus tithymaloides), slipper flower, devil's backbone, up to 2 m, common ornamental shrub, variegated leaves alternately on slender stem, red and purple slipper-shaped flowers at end of stem, damages plants oozes irritant milky sap, poisonous leaves and stem | Eupharbol | Euphorbiaceae

Wild rue, (Peganum harmala), [not a Rue and not related to rue, (Ruta graveolens)!], salty soils, folk medicine, Harmine, Harmaline, poisonous to livestock, invasive, wild rue, Syrian rue, esfand, African rue | Harmine | and derivatives, ancient herbal medicine, desert plant, Mediterranean to India, , Nitraniaceae

Scented-geranium-rose, (Pelargonium graveolens), sweet-scented geranium, rose geraniums, many cultivars, oil of geranium, folk medicine, South Africa, Geraniaceae
Scented-geranium-rose Pelargonium graveolens, Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Rose-scented pelargonium, (Pelargonium capitatum), rose geranium, coastal geranium, essential oil from glandular tissue | Peonidin | Tartaric acid | South Africa, Geraniaceae

Crisped-leaf pelargonium, (Pelargonium crispum), pink flowers, edible leaves, salads, houseplant or outdoor plant, South Africa, Geraniaceae

Apple pelargonium, (Pelargonium odoratissimum), apple scent | Citronellol | Geranyl acetate | Geraniaceae

Waving pelargonium, (Pelargonium luridum), wildemalva, inyonkulu, eaten raw, grown from seed, grassland, tall-flowered herb, treat fever, vomiting, nausea and dysentery, Tanzania, Geraniaceae

Kidney-leaved Pelargonium, (Pelargonium reniforme), umckaloabo | Trimethoxycoumarin | bitter tasting root used as folk medicine, stomach ailments, liver problems, South Africa, Gerianaceae

Umckaloabo, (Pelargonium sidoides), South African geranium, root extract herbal medicine, treat respiratory disorders, Geraniaceae
Dried herb is sold as root.

Night-scented pelargonium, (Pelargonium triste), kaneeltjie, rooiwortel, large subterranean tuber with tuberous roots, cracked woody bark, prostrate leaves produced at ground level so almost no stem, hairy feathered leaves like carrot plant leaves, star-shaped flowers, said to be the first Pelargonium brought to Europe from South Africa, (Greek, pelargós 'stork', because seed head looks like a stork's beak), Gerianaceae

Horse-shoe pelargonium, (Pelargonium zonale), wildemalvam zonal pelargonium, garden geranium | Pelargonin | South Africa, Geraniaceae
Pelargonium, Cultivars and hybrids:
(Pelargonium grandiflorum), hybrids, "Regal" pelargonims, "geraniums", storks bills, Geraniaceae
Pelargonium, "pelargoniums", "popular geraniums", rose geranium, ornamental, garden herb, Geraniaceae
(Pelargonium peltatum), (also hybrids), ivy-leaf geranium, Geraniaceae
(Pelargonium X domesticum), regal pelargonium, Geraniaceae
Scented-geranium-citronellaMudbrick Herb Cottage
Scented-geranium-candy-dancerMudbrick Herb Cottage
Scented-geranium--mabel-greyMudbrick Herb Cottage
Scented-geranium-roseMudbrick Herb Cottage
Scented Geranium, African Spice, (Pelargonium denticulatum 'Filicifolium'), Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Pelargoniums, The Queensland Gardening Pages

Rainbow vine, (Pellionia daveauana), crisp oval leaves of deep olive become cupped and dark purple-chocolate with age, small basket plant or terrarium groundcover (houseplant), Viet Nam, Urticaceae

Garlic cress, (Peltaria alliacea), sauce-alone, jack-by-the-hedge, garlic mustard, vegetable that smells of garlic, herbal medicine, Brassicaceae

Brown beech, (Pennantia cunninghamii), up to 30 metres, uneven crooked trunk. leaves on zig-zagging branchlets, white flower, fruit a black egg-shaped drupe. tropical Australia, Pennantiaceae

Kikuyu grass, (Pennisetum clandestinum), elephant grass, fountain grass, popular lawn grass, pasture grass, invasive, East Africa, Poaceae

Pearl millet, (Pennisetum glaucum), most widely grown millet for human consumption, Poaceae

African fountain grass, (Pennisetum setaceum), Queensland restricted invasive plant, widespread, Poaceae

Purple fountain grass, (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'), red fountain grass, arcing spikes of nodding purple flowers, long slender burgundy-coloured leaves, fast growth rate, flowering stems full of feathery seeds, used for dried flower arrangements and borders, Poaceae
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', Daleys Fruit Trees

Barbados gooseberry, (Pereskia aculeata), large vine, evergreen, fruit small, yellow, juicy subacid pulp, used fresh, preserves, propagation from seeds, cuttings, Tropical America

Perilla, (Perilla frutescens var. crispa), beefsteak plant, "shiso" (Japan), perennial, up to 1 metre, hardy plant, lemon taste | Limonene | | Perillaldehyde | herbal medicine, antioxidant, culinary uses, aromatic green or purple leaves with purple underside, flavour salads, meat tenderizer, sushi, sweets, sauces, oil from leaves | Linolenic acid | half-hardy, ornamental leaves, weed, toxic to cattle, East Asia, Lamiaceae

Korean perilla, (Perilla frutescens), deulkkae, aromatic, China, Japan, India Lamiaceae
(Perilla frutescens var. frutescens), "perilla oil" from Perilla frutescens seeds, drying oil substitute for linseed oil, edible oil in China, India, Lamiaceae
Wild perilla plants are reported to be toxic.
ShisoPerilla, (Perilla frutescens), Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Purple perilla, (Perilla frutescens var. crispa), red shiso, purple mint, aromatic leafy plant, Japanese cuisine, beefsteak plant, leafy, aromatic, green or purple leaves, Lamiaceae
Purple Perilla, Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Russian sage, (Perovskia atriplicifolia), folk medicine, Lamiaceae
Russian Sage, Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Avocado, (Persea americana), ahuactl, bata, agnate, abuacath, alligator pear, (from "ahuacatl", testicle-shaped fruit), medium to large tree, evergreen, fast growing, fruit large, green or purple, flesh yellow, nutty flavour, used fresh, salads, propagation from seeds, grafting, Tropical America, Lauraceae
Avocado leaves of Mexican varieties have tarragon aroma, dried then added to flavour dishes, mature fruit has a dull appearance with slight shrivelling and yellowing of the fruit stalk | Anethole | Estragole | Lauraceae
Green Skin GMax, Avocados

Bistort, (Persicaria affinis), lesser knotweed, Himalayan knotweed, up to 30 cm, mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial, spikes with densely-packed tiny rose-red to pale pink flowers, lance-shaped leaves, Polygonaceae
Bistort, Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Vietnamese mint, (Persicaria odorata), Vietnamese coriander, Vietnamese cilantro, false mint, laksa leaf, rau ram, creeping, herbaceous, trailing plant, long, slender leaves with some central dark colouration, perennial, up to 50 cm, hardy plant, pink flowers, garnish, culinary uses, peppery taste, culinary use in rice paper rolls, spicy pungent flavoured leaves with curries, salads, Asian cooking, marinades, stir fries, duck dishes, herbal medicine, digestion disorders, supposed to reduce fertility.
[It is not a "mint" (Mentha), but it looks like a mint.] Vietnamese mint can take over your garden, Polygonaceae.
Vietnamese Mint, Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Persicaria odorata, Vietnamese Mint, Daleys Fruit Trees

Water pepper, (Persicaria hydropiper), smartweed, marsh pepper knotweed, perennial, hardy plant, 40 cm, herbal medicine, pepper-tasting leaves, culinary uses, in sushi, tempura, Polygonaceae

Lady's thumb, (Persicaria maculosa), redshank, spotted lady's thumb, Jesus plant, red legs, herbal medicine, but may contain irritant oil | Oxalic acid | jointed stems, annual / perennial, climber, Polygonaceae

Prince's feather, (Persicaria orientalis), kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, fast-growing annual, hanging pink clusters of flowers, garden favourite, China, Polygonaceae

Evergreen bugloss, (Pentaglottis sempervirens), "alkanet", green alkanet, evergreen alkanet, perennial, up to 1 m, oval-pointed evergreen leaves and white-eyed blue flowers, the roots release red colour, used in cosmetics, Boraginaceae
See diagram: Pentaglottis

Native peperomia, (Peperomia blanda var. floribunda), hairy peperomia, up to 30 cm, seeds have a pepper-like taste, (houseplant), Asia, Africa, Australia, Piperaceae

Barbados gooseberry, (Pereskia aculeata), large vine, evergreen, fruit small, yellow, juicy subacid pulp, used fresh, preserves, propagation from seeds, cuttings, Tropical America, Cactaceae

Cineraria, (Pericallis cruenta, Pericallis x hybrida), ragwort, clusters of daisy-like flowers in a wide range of colours with some white eyes, very popular pot plant, Canary Islands, Asteraceae

Geebung, (Persoonia lanceolata), upright spreading shrub, up to 3 m, coastal woodland, smooth grey bark, thick and leathery bright green leaves with yellow tint, smooth and fleshy green drupes, lamina vertically upwards due to twisting of of petiole through 90 degrees, leaf has few stomates, Australia, Proteaceae

Quinine berry, (Petalostigma triloculare), quinine tree, long-leaved bitter bark, up to 5 m, glossy dark green elliptical leaves, creamy fragrant flowers, bright orange inedible fruits, garden plant, dry rainforests, Australia, Picrodendraceae

Winter heliotrope, (Petasites fragrans), widespread winter plant, large leaves with teeth, deep rhizome, erect pink flower heads, sweet-scented, winter-flowering ornamental, herbal medicine, invasive, Mediterranean region, Asteraceae

Butterbur, (Petasites hybridus), common butterbur, bog rhubarb, devil's hat, up to 120 cm, large round leaves up to 70 cm, pink multiple inflorescences | Petasin | traditional medicine, used to treat infections, allergies, anti-inflammatory, possible treatment of migraine, allergic rhinitis, Europe, Asteraceae

Sandpaper vine, (Petrea volubilis), petrea, bluebird vine, queen's wreath, woody vine, climber, grows in full sun, leaves rough to touch, variety "Purple Passion", Verbenaceae

Parsley, (Petroselinum crispum), ("rock celery"), common parsley, garden parsley, annual, aromatic and attractive leaves tripinnate leaves used as garnish, root parsley in soups, strong parsley aroma when mature, smaller leaves, store in freezer, culinary uses, in bouquet garni, fresh leaves make any dish attractive, crisp fast when fried, essential oil from seed | Apigenin glucoside | Apiin | Apiole | Apiose | Bergapten | Hydroquinone | Menthatriene | Myrcene | Myristicin | Petroselenic acid | Phellandrene | Phenethyl alcohol | herbal medicine, chewed raw or juice sipped as breath deodoriser, but do not drink large amount of juice if you have kidney disease, Mediterranean region, Egypt, Italy, Apiaceae
Dried herb is sold as leaves, leaf powder and parsley root.
See diagram: Parsley

Parsley cultivars:
Italian parsley, (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum), flat-leaf parsley, continental parsley, flat-leaved parsley, preferred parsley, because easier to cultivate, and more tolerant of rain and sun, has a stronger flavour, strong parsley flavour when young, used green freshly chopped as soup topping for soups, salads flavouring for many dishes, attracts beneficial insects, Apiaceae
Italian Parsley, Mudbrick Herb Cottage
Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum, Italian parsley, Daleys Fruit Trees

Curled parsley, (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum), French parsley, most commonly used parsley in western cuisine, easy to grow in pots near the kitchen door, biennial plant so it flowers in second years and then should be replaced, used as garnish and to enhance flavours, e.g. scrambled eggs, attracts beneficial insects, Apiaceae
Curled Leaf Parsley, Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Parsley Curly leaf, (Petroselinum crispum) Petroselinum crispum, Parsley Curly leaf, Daleys Fruit Trees

Root parsley, (Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum), turnip-rooted parsley, Hamburg root parsley, enlarged edible root, for soups and stews, edible leaves, Apiaceae

Large white petunia, (Petunia axillaris), funnel-shaped flowers, [French petun 'tobacco', because the leaf looks like tobacco leaf, (Nicotiana tabacum)], Solanaceae

Boldo, (Peumus boldus), boldus, boldu, only species in the genus Peumus, leaves with woody and slightly bitter flavour like camphor, aroma are used for culinary purposes like bay leaves, and also used in herbal tea in South America | Boldine | Ascaridole | Cineole | Linalool | and many alkaloids, herbal medicine, antioxidants, chemoprotective, hepatoprotective, Chile, introduced to Europe and North Africa, Monimiaceae
Dried herb is sold as leaves.
See diagram: (Peumus boldus)

Phalaris, (Phalaris aquatica), pasture grass, tolerates wet soils, erect and prostrate types, some varieties may cause poisoning of livestock "phalaris staggers", Poaceae

Reed canary grass, (Phalaris arundinacea), gardener's garters, ribbon grass, hardy plant, up to 2 m | Gramine | Hordenine | Methyl bufotanine | herbal medicine, ornamental, forage crop, invasive weed, psychedelic drugs, euphoric, Europe, Asia, North America, Poaceae

Canary grass, (Phalaris canariensis), grown for birdseed, also street food, Canary Islands, Italy, North Africa, Poaceae
Bulbous canary grass, (Phalaris tuberosa), harding grass | Methyl bufotanine | Poaceae

Scented daphne, (Phaleria clerodendron), rosy apple, huge glossy dark green leaves, clusters of pure white flowers, pineapple scent, rainforest, Australia, Thymelaeaceae

Cape daphne, (Phaleria octandra), up to 6 m, glossy foliage, showy white fragrant flowers, red berries, coastal Australia, Thymelaeaceae

Phaseolus, (Phaseolus vulgaris), bean
Classification of a bean
(Phaseolus acutifolius), Tepary bean, desert regions, USA, Mexico, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus aureus, Vigna radiata), mung bean, green bean, green gram, moong dal, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus angularis, (Vigna angularis), adzuki bean, red bean, (Chinese red bean paste), vegetable, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus caracalla), snail creeper, climber with lavender spirals of flowers, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus coccineus), scarlet runner bean, runner bean, potato bean, white Dutch runner bean, vegetable, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus lunatus), lima bean, butter bean, madagascar bean, vegetable, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus mutiflorus), runner bean, Fabaceae
(Phaseolus mung), black gram, vegetable, Fabaceae

"Bean", (Phaseolus vulgaris), French bean, haricot bean, field bean, string bean, wax bean, white kidney bean, caraota, poroto, poisonous if uncooked | Phaseolamine | Fabaceae.
"Beans", (Phaseolus vulgaris), French bean, haricot bean, field bean, string bean, wax bean, white kidney bean, caraota, poroto, poisonous if uncooked | Phaseolamine | Fabaceae
Plants of the Phaseolus species and the seeds are called "beans".
5.4 Legumes
5.4b Beans
(Phaseolus vulgaris), red kidney bean variety | Hemagglutinins | Fabaceae
Phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin, in raw or undercooked kidney bean seeds may cause severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but usually resolves within a few hours.

Pink phebalium, (Phebalium nottii), up to 3 m, aromatic foliage, showy pink flowers, Australia, Rutaceae

Woombye pink phebalium, (Phebalium woombye), star-shaped flowers, deep green aromatic foliage, Australia, Rutaceae

Narrow-leaved mock privet, (Phillyrea angustifolia), evergreen small shrub, Mediterranean region, Oleaceae

Green olive privet, (Phillyrea latifolia), evergreen small shrub, Mediterranean region, Oleaceae

Amur cork tree, (Philodendron amurense) | Candicine | Phellamurin | Chinese medicine, painkiller, invasive, Araceae

Cut-leaved philodendron, (Philodendron angustisectum), narrow leaf philodendron, large, leathery heart-shaped leaves, vigorous climber, hothouse ornamental, poisonous leaves and stems | Alkyl Resorcinols, ARS | Calcium oxalate raphides | (houseplant), Bolivia, Colombia, Araceae

Tree philodendron, (Philodendron bipinnatifidum), split leaf philodendron, lacy tree philodendron, selloum, horsehead philodendron, climber, large leaf scars, shiny deep green leaves, up to 1.5 m long, aerial roots, inflorescences are a white spadix surrounded by a spathe green to purple outside and cream inside, sterile flowers separates the upper male flowers from the lower female flowers, poisonous leaves and stem, (houseplant), Araceae
"Philodendron", (Philodendron birkin), (mutation of hybrid Philodendron Rojo Congo), slow-growing, compact perennial, up to 1 m, thick upright stem, in mature plants cream-white or yellow streaks variegation on green leaves. toxic to people, pets, and fish, garden ornamental, (houseplant), originally Central America, Araceae

Elephant's ear, (Philodendron domesticum), glossy, spade leaf, bright green leaves, climber, (houseplant), Araceae

Fiddle-leaf philodendron, (Philodendron panduriforme), (houseplant), Araceae

Sweetheart plant, (Philodendron scandens), glossy, heart-shaped leaves, climber, (houseplant), Araceae

Long-leaf wax flower, (Philotheca myoporoides), up to 2 m, pink buds open to starry white flowers, long slender leaves with citrus smell, garden plant, Australia, Rutaceae

Frogsmouth, (Philydrum lanuginosum), woolly waterlily, spikes with yellow flowers, two outer showy petals like open mouths, pond plant, Australia, Philydraceae

Jerusalem sage, (Phlomis fructicosa), small shrub, up to 1 m, aromatic leaves, showy yellow or purple flowers, popular ornamental, Turkey, Lamiaceae

Wild sweet william, (Phlox divaricata), "clouds of perfume", very fragrant, semi-evergreen perennial, North America, phlox family Polemoniaceae

Phlox, (Phlox paniculata), tall, herbaceous perennial. carries terminal panicles of up to 60 simple open faced flowers on each stem from summer through to autumn in Australia, ornamental, Polemoniaceae

Date palm, (Phoenix dactylifera), date palm, trees are male or female, medium palm, deciduous, fast growing, evergreen, fruit small, brown, sweet, used fresh or dried, propagation from seeds or off-shoots, Middle East, Arecaceae
See diagram: (Phoenix dactylifera)

Canary Island date palm, (Phoenix canariensis), cultivated street palm in inland Australia, trees are male or female, feathery fronds, (houseplant), Canary Islands, Arecaceae

Eastern mistletoe, (Phoradendron serotinum), oak mistletoe, said to be used in Druid ceremonies, ancient folk medicine, used to treat infertility, entire plant poisonous especially the berries, Viscaceae

New Zealand flax, (Phormium tenax), harakeke (Maori), lance-like leaves, used for Maori textiles and basketry, very bitter taste, New Zealand, Asparagaceae

Red robin, (Photinia fraseri), red tip photinia, dense, fast growing evergreen shrub, up to 4 m, white clustered flowers followed by berries, used for hedging / screening / topiary, Australia, Rosaceae
Photinia fraseri, Red Robin, Daleys Fruit Trees

Lippia, (Phyla canescens), Condamine couch, Condamine curse, phyla weed, mat grass, no-mow grass, hairy frogfruit, summer-growing, broadleaved perennial herb with thick woody taproot, grey-green leaves, small tubular white to pink flowers, rounded fruit splits when mature to release two brown oval seeds, forms solid, mat-like ground cover with runners that take root at nodes, formerly used as ornamental and "no-mow"grass, can out-compete native vegetation and pasture species, serious environmental and pastoral weed in Australia, South America, Verbenaceae

Frog fruit, (Phyla nodiflora), matchweed, perennial, hardy plant, inflorescence with purple centre surrounded by dainty pink / white flowers, purple centre and stalk like matches, groundcover, used for lawns and holding banks, herbal medicine, North and South America, Verbenaceae

Aztec sweet herb, (Phyla scaberrima), perennial, up to 30 cm, hardy plant, herbal medicine, culinary uses, sweet tasting leaves used in salads and drinks, culinary uses, herbal medicine | Hernandulcin | Southern Mexico, Verbenaceae
Phyla scaberrima, Aztec Sweet Herb, Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Star gooseberry, (Phyllanthus acidus), Otaheite gooseberry, Malay gooseberry, Gooseberry tree, edible sour tasting small yellow berries, (nothing like a gooseberry!), medium tree, male and female, fruit medium, 6-lobed, pale green, sour preserves, pies, deciduous, fast growing, seeds, cuttings, India, Euphorbiaceae

Jamaican gooseberry tree, (Phyllanthus acuminatus)| Justicidin B | Phyllanthostatin A | Phyllanthaceae

Six o'clock, (Phyllanthus amaris), amla, phyllanthus, bahupathra, herbe due chagrin, traditional herbal medicine in India and Africa, India, Euphorbiaceae

Pheasant-berry, (Phyllanthus discoides), egossa red pear, large tree |Phyllalbine | Securinine | many antibacterial alkaloids, traditional medicine, Africa, Phyllanthace

Indian gooseberry, (Phyllanthus emblica), amla, amalaka, emblic, myrobalan fig, myrobolan, Malacca tree, up to 8 m, male and female, fruit round, smooth green, sour preserves, deciduous, fast growing, seed, budding, bitter tasting fruits contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and many chemicals including | Emblicanin A C34H22O22 | Pedunculagin C34H24O22 | Kaempferol C15H10O6 | Ellagic acid C14H6O8 | Gallic acid C7H6O5 | Tropical Asia, Phyllanthaceae
| Tannins | bitterness from | Chebulinic acid | Lupeol | Ellagitannins | Tropical Asia, Australia, Phyllanthaceae
Dried herb sold as berries and as berry powder.
See diagram: Amla

Scrubby spurge, (Phyllanthus gunnii), erect shrub, up to 2 m | Dhurrin | Australia, Phyllanthaceae

Fern-leaved Phyllanthus, (Phyllanthus lamprophyllus), spreading shrub, square-stemmed, up to 40 cm, leaves are small to 1 cm long in two overlapping rows, on rock outcrops, Australia. Euphorbiaceae

Brush Sauropus. (Phyllanthus microcladus), up to 35 cml, stout main branches, small wedge-shaped leaves on short, fine branchlets, Australia, Euphorbiaceae

Gale of the wind, (Phyllanthus niruri), stonebreaker, seed-under-leaf, poisonous stems | Saponin | Phyllanthin | Eherbal medicine, may treat kidney stones | Phyllanthin | coastal tropics, Phyllanthaceae

Potato plant, (Phyllanthus reticulatus) | Pyrogallol | Asia, Australia, Phyllanthaceae

Native gooseberry, (Physalis minima), wild cape gooseberry, pygmy groundcherry, bladder cherry, often in disturbed areas, perennial, up to 50 cm high, soft smooth leaves, cream-yellow flowers, edible yellow fruit with paper-like cover turning brown when ripe, cherry-tomato-like flavour, herbal medicine, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, tropical regions, Australian native food, Solanaceae
See diagram: (Physalis peruviana), Inca berry

Cape gooseberry, (Physalis peruviana), Inca berry, golden berries, Peruvian groundcherry, goldenberries, Chinese lantern, winter cherry, ground cherry, (French amour en cage 'love in a cage'), perennial, branched shrub up to 1.6 m, heart-shaped leaves, bell-shaped drooping yellow-brown flowers | Cryptoxanthin in petals | calyx expands to form a beige husk enclosing the fruit, a round, smooth berry, like a small yellow tomato, inedible calyx forms a protective husk around the growing fruit, common, invasive weed, fruit used for jams and pies, better when cooked with an equal amount of apple, fully ripe fruit can be dried into an attractive "raisin", small size, "seediness", intense flavour, recommended for annual planting, Peru, Solanaceae
Dried herb sold as fruit.

Calabar bean, (Physostigma venenosum), eserine, poison, anti-CNS depression drug, climber, like runner bean, Africa, Fabaceae

Ivory nut palm, (Phytelephas macrocarpa), nut palm, vegetable ivory, corozo nut, hard endosperm containing hemicellulose was used to make billiard balls, South America, Arecaceae

American pokeweed, (Phytolacca americana), American pokeweed, American pokeroot, perennial, hardy plant, up to 1 metre, dye plant, | Betanin | Phytolaccoside | herbal medicine, culinary uses, poisonous, but very young leaves boiled as vegetable, North America, Phytolaccaceae
Dried herb sold as root.

Pokeweed, (Phytolacca decandra), poke weed, pook root, poisonous, herbal medicine | Prebetanin | Phytolaccaceae

African soapberry, (Phytolacca dodecandra), endod, gopo berry | Bayogenin 3-0-cellobioside | Lemmatoxin | Oleanoglycotoxin-A | Phytolaccaceae