Carla Black is an American botanist and plant breeder who has lived and gardened in the western highlands of Panama near Volcán in the Chiriquí Province for over 20 years. She is particularly known for her work with heliconias and specializes in the collection, cultivation, and breeding of these tropical plants. Her passion for heliconias is evident in the diversity of the species she cultivates, some of which are endemic to Panama.

Black serves as President of the Heliconia Society International and has been particularly involved in the society's events, particularly as an expert and panelist at the annual Members' Night and auctions. In addition, she and her husband, Ángel Rodríguez, open their private garden to the public annually on July 4th and 5th, allowing visitors to view their extensive collection of heliconias and other tropical plants and participate in plant sales.

Her significant contributions to botany and her commitment to the breeding and propagation of heliconias have contributed significantly to the appreciation and promotion of tropical plant species, particularly in the international botanical community.

Dewey Fisk was a South Florida horticulturist and plant expert. He specialized in the cultivation and propagation of rare plants, particularly the Anthurium genus. Working closely with the equally renowned plant breeder Ralph Lynam, who introduced a variant of Anthurium papillilaminum from Panama to the United States, Fisk made significant contributions to the dissemination and cultivation of rare Anthurium species in the United States.

Dr. Jeffrey "Doc" Block is an American physician and botanist who works in both medicine and botany. He is a board-certified anesthesiologist specializing in pain management and addiction medicine. He has more than 25 years of medical experience.

In addition to his medical work, Dr. Block is an internationally renowned botanist who specializes in the breeding and conservation of tropical plants. He is the founder of the organization Nurturing Nature, which promotes botanical gardens and the sustainable care of plants. Dr. Block's company specializes in the development of award-winning plant hybrids, particularly anthuriums such as Zara, Michelle, and Black Widow.

His work combines medical and botanical research and explores the interfaces between these disciplines, particularly with regard to the potential health benefits of plants and their care. Dr. Block has established himself as an expert in both clinical and botanical practice and contributes to the advancement of tropical plant breeding.

Eddy Pranoto is an Indonesian botanist and plant breeder specializing in the breeding and propagation of Anthurium species. His development of the Anthurium hybrid 'Kuping Gajah Bumble Bee' is particularly noteworthy. It is highly valued among collectors and the botanical community due to its unique morphological characteristics, such as its distinctive leaf shape and color.

Pranoto operates the "EPP International" platform. Through this platform, he sells his breedings and shares his expertise on tropical plants, especially anthuriums, with his customers. His work in the field of plant breeding has earned him international recognition. His hybrids enjoy great popularity among collectors and enthusiasts of tropical plants due to their aesthetic and genetic qualities.

Enid Offolter is an American botanist and plant breeder known as the founder and owner of NSE Tropicals (Natural Selection Exotics). The nursery specializes in the collection and cultivation of rare and unusual tropical foliage plants, particularly aroids, and boasts one of the most extensive private collections of these plants in the United States.

Offolter has also served twice as President of the International Aroid Society and has built significant collections of tropical plants worldwide. She has shared her profound expertise and passion for tropical plants in numerous lectures for plant societies and garden clubs, as well as in publications and media appearances. Her work has been recognized in the New York Times and on various podcasts and YouTube channels.

In addition to her practical work as a plant breeder, Offolter published the book "Welcome to the Jungle: Rare Tropical Houseplants to Collect, Grow, and Love." In this work, she shares her profound knowledge of the care and collection of tropical plants with the reader. Her contributions to botany and her commitment to plant breeding have contributed significantly to the dissemination and appreciation of tropical plant species, especially aroids.

Equatorialflora is the name of a botanical project run by Chris Hall, a plant breeder based in Cairns, Australia. Under the label Equatorial Exotics, Hall specializes in the cultivation and breeding of rare tropical plants, particularly anthuriums and their hybrids.

His focus is on breeding tropical plants that thrive in the tropics and subtropics, as well as on creating new anthurium hybrids, such as Anthurium versicolor and black anthurium hybrids.

Hall uses social media, especially Instagram, to showcase his breeding projects and share his knowledge. He also occasionally offers specimens of his breeding for sale. He has developed an international following among plant enthusiasts and collectors. His work contributes to the advancement of tropical plant breeding and the preservation of rare and valuable plant species.

FTG (Fairchild Tropical Garden) is a renowned botanical institution in Coral Gables, Florida, specializing in the conservation, research, and presentation of tropical and subtropical plants. Founded in 1938, the garden is now one of the leading institutions for tropical botany in the United States.

The garden covers an area of ​​approximately 83 hectares and is home to an extensive collection of plant species characteristic of tropical ecosystems. These include palms, orchids, cacti, and other tropical flowering plants. Fairchild Tropical Gardens is particularly committed to scientific research, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, plant breeding, and the conservation of tropical flora.

The FTG is a center for botanical research and conservation, actively involved in the documentation and conservation of endangered tropical plant species. In addition, the garden offers a diverse educational program and a series of events focused on the importance of tropical plants for ecological balance and conservation. The garden thus fulfills a dual function, serving both as a major scientific research center and as a public educational institution in the field of tropical botany.

Fantastic Gardens Hawaii is a botanical facility and nursery in Honolulu, Hawaii, specializing in the cultivation and distribution of tropical plants. The company operates 5.5 hectares of land used for both plant production and agricultural land. The focus is on cultivating a variety of tropical plant species, including bromeliad hybrids, as well as producing tropical fruits and vegetables.

In addition to plant breeding, Fantastic Gardens Hawaii also offers agricultural products such as bananas, cacao, pineapples, papayas, and palm trees for heart of palm. The company pursues an integrative practice that encompasses both commercial ornamental breeding and food production.

Fantastic Gardens Hawaii is also committed to preserving and promoting tropical flora and offers access to its products both on-site and through online platforms. The combination of botanical diversity and agricultural production makes the company a key player in tropical horticulture and agricultural breeding in Hawaii.

Haji Ulih, also known as Mr. HU, is an Indonesian plant breeder specializing in the hybridization and cultivation of Anthurium species. He is particularly well-known for the development of the hybrid Anthurium 'King of Spades,' which is characterized by its distinctive, spade-shaped, dark green leaves with prominent veins. This hybrid has received widespread acclaim in the botanical community and among plant enthusiasts worldwide.

In professional circles, Ulih is often referred to as the "father" of the Anthurium 'King of Spades', as he was instrumental in its breeding and success. His cultivars, including other King of Spades varieties and their mutations, are characterized by unique morphological characteristics and aesthetic qualities that make them highly sought-after collector's items. Ulih's contributions to the further development of Anthurium hybrids have made him an important figure in modern plant breeding and propagation.

Jay Vannini is an American botanist, plant breeder, and author specializing in the cultivation and propagation of rare tropical plants, particularly within the genus Anthurium. He runs the "Exotica Esoterica" ​​platform, where he publishes scientific articles and practical contributions on tropical flora, horticulture, and related topics.

Vannini has made a name for himself through his work with velvet-leaf anthuriums, particularly anthuriums. His focus is on the cultivation and propagation of both natural species and hybrids characterized by unique morphological characteristics. His plants, including several hybrids he has bred, are highly valued in the botanical community as well as in the international community of plant enthusiasts.

In addition, Vannini has addressed the market dynamics of rare Anthurium species in professional publications and media contributions, highlighting factors such as genetic uniqueness and propagation challenges as key drivers of pricing. He is highly respected in the botanical and horticultural community for his outstanding contributions to the study and dissemination of tropical plants.

Marie Nock is an American botanist and plant breeder specializing in the cultivation and breeding of tropical plants, particularly the Anthurium genus. She is the owner of "Ree Gardens," a private nursery in Miami, Florida, specializing in the propagation of rare and morphologically unique Anthurium species.

Nock is a member of the International Aroid Society and has participated in its events, serving as an expert and panelist at the annual members' evening and at the auctions. Her breeding work includes, in particular, the development of Anthurium papillilaminum 'Marie,' a variety characterized by its characteristic leaf structure with pronounced clefts and striking yellow-orange primary venation.

Her contributions to anthurium breeding have made her a recognized figure in the botanical community and among plant enthusiasts.

Mission Beach Nursery is a nursery located in Mission Beach, Queensland, Australia, specializing in the cultivation and sale of tropical plants. The nursery offers a wide range of plant species, including palms, tropical shrubs, and other exotic plants typical of the region. The range includes both native and non-native species suitable for cultivation in tropical climates. The nursery has become internationally known in the anthurium scene, particularly for the Anthurium "Heinz."

Novelty Greens specializes in the cultivation and marketing of rare and exotic plants, particularly anthuriums. One example is Anthurium "Novelty G Ace of Spades," which features deep, velvety leaves with a distinctive leaf structure.

The focus is on the breeding and trade of plants that stand out due to their exceptional morphological characteristics, such as velvety leaves, striking leaf structures and unusual color variations.

NSE Tropicals (Natural Selection Exotics) is a nursery specializing in tropical plants, founded by Enid Offolter. The nursery is particularly known for its collection and cultivation of rare aroids and other tropical plant species. NSE Tropicals houses one of the most extensive private collections of aroids in the United States and has established itself as a significant source of exotic and unusual plants.

The nursery is distinguished by its expertise in the cultivation and care of tropical plants. The founder and operator, Ms. Offolter, is a leading expert in this field. She has shared her profound botanical knowledge with the interested public through numerous lectures, publications, and media appearances, including podcasts and YouTube channels.

In addition, Offolter published the book "Welcome to the Jungle: Rare Tropical Houseplants to Collect, Grow, and Love," in which she shares her extensive expertise in the collection, care, and cultivation of tropical plants. Her contributions to the breeding and dissemination of tropical plants have had a significant impact on the botanical community and the international appreciation of aroids and other tropical plant groups.

Paul Marcellini is an American landscape photographer and plant enthusiast based in Miami, Florida. He has specialized in landscape and nature photography since 2010. His work is particularly recognized for its masterful use of light and composition. Marcellini's photographs, which mostly document the natural wilderness of Florida, are featured on various platforms such as Instagram and Flickr and have earned him a strong reputation in nature photography.

In addition to his photography, Marcellini runs Understory Oasis, a platform specializing in the sale of rare tropical plants. His focus is on understory palms, ferns, Aroideae, Piperaceae, and Peperomia. Marcellini's passion for tropical plants and his commitment to the propagation of rare plant species are evident in both his plant breeding and his visual documentation of nature.

Marcellini often uses the abbreviations PM (Paul Marcellini), Yard, or Swamp to identify his plants. These include well-known Anthuriums such as "Peony" and "Peony" (Peony).
Anthurium kunayalense "PM6", Anthurium antolakii (BVEP) "Swamp Raisin", Anthurium kunayalense "Yard", Anthurium carlablackiae "PM4" or Anthurium dressleri "PM1".

Ralph Lynam was an American botanist and plant breeder who distinguished himself through his work on rare plants, particularly the genus Anthurium. He introduced a variant of Anthurium papillilaminum from Panama to the United States and worked closely with Dewey Fisk, another renowned botanist from South Florida.

Ree Gardens: An overview of gardening and its importance in tropical plant breeding.

Introduction
Ree Gardens was a private nursery in Miami, Florida, operated by Steve and Marie Nock. The nursery specialized in the collection, cultivation, and propagation of tropical plants, particularly the Anthurium genus. Over the years of its operation, it gained considerable recognition in the botanical community due to its remarkable collection of exotic plants and its regular plant sales.

Focus on Anthurium and breeding work
The nursery was recognized for its work with rare and morphologically unique Anthurium species. Among Marie Nock's outstanding breedings is Anthurium papillilaminum 'Marie,' a variety distinguished by its distinctive leaf structure with pronounced clefts and striking yellow-orange primary venation. This species reflects Nock's expertise and commitment to developing unique Anthurium hybrids. Her breeding work has earned her a recognized position in the botanical community.

Plant sales and the botanical community
This is followed by a presentation of plant sales and the botanical community.
Ree Gardens was known for its regular plant sales, featuring rare and valuable plants, particularly from the Anthurium genus. These events not only contributed to the nursery's visibility but also offered plant lovers and collectors the opportunity to acquire and expand their collections. One example of this was the plant sale in April 2014, which attracted numerous plant enthusiasts.

Closure and legacy
Although Ree Gardens was once a renowned destination for tropical plant enthusiasts, the nursery has since closed. The reasons for the closure have not been publicly disclosed. Ree Gardens is currently no longer in operation. Nevertheless, the nursery's legacy, particularly in its collection and breeding of rare Anthurium species, represents a valuable contribution to the botanical world.

Conclusion
Ree Gardens and Marie Nock's breeding work have contributed significantly to the dissemination and cultivation of unique tropical plants. Her work, particularly in the breeding of Anthurium species, has had a lasting impact on both the botanical community and plant enthusiasts. Although the nursery is no longer active, the legacy of Ree Gardens remains a significant part of the history of tropical plant breeding.

Rory Antolak is an American botanist and plant breeder specializing in the breeding and propagation of Anthurium species. He has more than ten years of experience in tropical plant breeding and has developed numerous hybrids that have received recognition both in the botanical community and among plant enthusiasts.

Furthermore, Antolak is active as a speaker at the International Aroid Society Tropical Plant Expo, where he shares his profound knowledge of tropical plants, especially the genus Anthurium.

Due to his extraordinary commitment to plant breeding and his significant contribution to the botanical community, he enjoys a highly respected status in the world of tropical plant breeding.

Antolak uses the abbreviation RA (Rory Antolak) to label his plants. This includes well-known anthuriums such as:
Anthurium papillilaminum "RA5" or Anthurium papillilaminum "RA6", Anthurium carlablackiae "RA5" or Anthurium carlablackiae "RA10" or also Anthurium antolakii "RA3" or Anthurium antolakii "RA6".

The exception to this are the Anthurium dressleri from Antlak, which were allegedly stolen and were not named. Only the Anthurium dressleri that Paul Marcellini received directly from Antolak were given a name by Paul, for example, Anthurium dressleri "Pillow" or Anthurium dressleri "Narrow."

Scott Cohen is an American botanist and plant breeder specializing in the breeding and propagation of Anthurium species. He runs the Scott Cohen Plants platform, through which he sells rare exotic plants, particularly Anthurium hybrids and larger specimens. His well-known hybrids include hybrids such as Anthurium Ace of Spades x Circus Peanuts, Anthurium Ace of Spades x Dressleri, and Anthurium Luxurians x Portillae.

Cohen enjoys a high reputation in the botanical community and shares his knowledge of tropical plants, especially anthuriums, on various social media platforms such as Instagram. Due to his contributions to plant breeding and his dedication to the dissemination of rare anthurium species, he has earned a respected status in the world of tropical plant breeding.

Cohen uses the abbreviations OG or S (Selected) to label his plants. The latter can be confusing, as the abbreviation S can also refer to a self, for example, S1 for the first self generation. This includes well-known anthuriums such as Anthurium carlablackiae "OG1," Anthurium carlablackiae "OG5," or Anthurium antolakii "OG1."

Silver Krome Gardens is a family-owned and operated nursery based in Homestead, Florida, specializing in the breeding and distribution of tropical plants. Since its founding in 1981 by Denis Rotolante, the nursery has focused on providing a wide variety of plant species, including Alocasia, Anthurium, Calathea, Philodendron, Epipremnum, and succulents.

The company operates approximately 18,200 square meters of state-of-the-art growing facilities, housed in steel and plastic shade houses to ensure optimal growing conditions for the plants. Silver Krome Gardens specializes in supplying florists and garden centers and therefore does not offer shipping options for end customers.

William Rotolante is the second generation to lead the nursery. He is currently (2025) president of the International Aroid Society and past president of the Miami Dade Chapter of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA).

Tezula specializes in the breeding and trade of exotic and tropical plants. Its product range includes a wide variety of plant species, including anthuriums, alocasia, calathea, philodendrons, and other tropical plants. The company places particular emphasis on breeding plants with outstanding genetic quality and aesthetic characteristics, characterized by striking shapes and colors.

Tim Anderson was an American botanist and plant breeder who, together with his wife Anne, ran the Palm Hammock Orchid Estate in Miami, Florida. This nursery became known for its extensive collection of tropical plants, particularly orchids and begonias, as well as for the breeding of unique hybrids. Anderson's breeding work focused on the development of begonias, including the Begonia 'Caribbean Star' variety, which is characterized by its distinctive leaf structure and striking coloring.

The Palm Hammock Orchid Estate also became known for its regular plant sales, offering rare and unusual plants for purchase. These events attracted plant enthusiasts and collectors and contributed to the nursery's reputation.