Plant pictograms are graphic symbols that represent specific traits or growing conditions of a plant, listed in Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia, such as light requirements, watering needs, cold tolerance, or growth habit.
Pictograms make it easy to understand essential plant information at a glance, especially when browsing multiple plant profiles. They reduce the need to read long descriptions and help users quickly compare characteristics.
Pictograms provide a helpful summary, but for best results, always read the full plant description, including care instructions, USDA zone info, and growth behavior.
Top Tropicals uses its own pictogram system tailored for tropical and subtropical plant characteristics. While some symbols may resemble standard horticultural icons, their definitions are unique to this encyclopedia.
This pictogram guide page explains each symbol's meaning in detail, organized by category such as growth habit, watering needs, or light requirements.
Yes. All pictograms in the encyclopedia are clickable, allowing you to browse all plants that share the same trait (e.g., "Full Sun" or "Cold Hardy").
Most pictograms refer to mature plant characteristics. Seedlings and young plants may require different care and may not yet express all traits shown.
Cold-hardiness symbols are based on real-world performance in test gardens and grower feedback, reflecting the lowest temperature a mature plant can usually survive for a short period of time. Young plants must be protected.
Latin names aren't just scientific labels—they often describe a plant's color, scent, origin, or form.
Understanding them helps you recognize traits, choose plants more confidently, and spot patterns across species.
Learn more:
Understanding Latin Plant Descriptors
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Latin names are universally recognized and precise. While common names vary by region and language, the Latin binomial ensures you're always referring to the same species. It reduces confusion and supports accurate identification in a global context.
Common names can refer to different plants in different places—or multiple names may refer to the same species. For example, "Jasmine" can mean several unrelated plants. Using common names alone often leads to misunderstandings in gardening or plant care.
The Tree Glossary is a simple, plant-lover–friendly guide that explains key botanical terms like "xylem," "tannins," and more. It helps you understand how trees grow and function—great for gardeners, students, or anyone diving deeper into the world of plants.
Our Floral Morphology Guide explains the botanical structure of flowers in plain language. Whether you're puzzled by terms like "pedicel" or "inflorescence," this glossary helps you understand how floral parts function and vary across species—great for students, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts.
The "ethnomedical" pictogram indicates traditional or folk use of a plant for health-related purposes in various cultures. This does not imply the plant is safe or effective for self-medication. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any plant medicinally.
Yes. These warnings are based on reputable horticultural and toxicological sources, as well as real-world grower experiences. However, absence of a warning pictogram does not guarantee a plant is non-toxic or edible. Always research carefully if pets or children are involved.
For in-depth care tips, browse our articles section or explore individual plant profiles in the Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia. Each profile includes pictograms and care notes tailored to that species.
You can shop online at our Top Tropicals Store, where plants are carefully packed and shipped across the continental U.S. We offer rare fruit trees, fragrant blooms, tropical vines, and more. Prefer to visit in person? Stop by our Garden Center in Ft. Myers, Florida to explore our living collection firsthand!
