The Funk Library collections include materials on exotic plant species, which are plants introduced by humans to areas where they are not native, often for ornamental purposes. Some exotic species can become invasive and disrupt native ecosystems. Most of the examples provided are exotic to the Funk Library region because they are not native to the United States. The document lists several plant species and their native regions, and provides references for books in the Funk Library collections that contain more information about exotic plants.

1. Exotic Plants

2. The Funk Library collections include a variety of materials
on “exotic” plant life. Exotic species are plants that have
been introduced, by humans, to an area they are not
native to, usually for decorative or ornamental purposes.
Sometimes exotic species can become invasive and disrupt
native plant ecosystems. Most of the following examples
are “exotic” plants for the Funk Library because they are
not native to the United States.

3. Canna lily, native to Central
& South America, with
some varieties native to the
southern US
Bold and exotic plants
By Noël Kingsbury.
New York: Watson-Guptill, 2000.
Q. 715 K611b

4. 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 plants
By Alfred Byrd Graf.
East Rutherford, New Jersey: Roehrs Co., 1982.
634.35 G757e 1982 v.2 [ACES Reference]

5. Acanthus mollis latifolius,
native to Southern Europe
& northwestern Africa
The exotic garden
By Myles Challis.
London: Fourth Estate, 1988.
635.952 C352E

6. Justicia brandegeeana, or
“shrimp plant,” native to
Mexico
Encyclopedia of Exotic plants
for temperate climates
By Will Giles.
Portland: Timber Press, 2007.
Q. 635.903 G391e [ACES Reference]

7. Giant Grenadilla (Passiflora
Quadrangularis), native to
Central & South America
Exotic plants of the world
By Marcel Belvianes.
New York: Hanover House, 1957.
581.9 B41BEH

8. Examples of Bromeliaceae
(Bromeliads), native to
Central & South America
Exotic plant manual
By Alfred Byrd Graf.
East Rutherford, New
Jersey: Roehrs Co., 1978.
634.35 G757EX1978
[ACES Reference]

9. For more books and resources
about exotic plant life, visit the
Funk Library!