Ever since we can recall, we have been taught a lot in schools and classes about our environment and our nature. When we think of our nature, the first color that comes to our mind is none other than Green!
Facts About The color Green
- Green is considered the color of love and is often associated with Venus.
- Green was George Washington’s favorite color.
- Green is known as the color of peace.
- Green is the second most popular color, after blue.
- On the visible spectrum, green is the color between blue and yellow.
Yes! When we look around our surroundings, we might think green is one of the most common colors found in nature. But there are many naturally occurring green things that most people don’t know about. Today we are going to talk about those things in a detailed way.
List of Green Things In Nature
Emerald
Emerald is a type of gemstone found in nature, generally colored green because of trace amounts of chromium present in it.
Since ancient times, emeralds have had a high value because of their variety of different colors ranging from green to blue-green. They were mostly mined in Egypt and India.
Spider Plants
The spider plant that is also known as the Chlorophytum comosum, is one of the most used and preferred household plants found nowadays.
They have been given such a name because of their long, spider-leg-like shoots. They are said to filter the air in a household naturally.
Aloe Vera
Of course! We had to add aloe vera to the list! If you’ve ever suffered sunburns or skin issues, you know how useful aloe vera can be!
The color of this plant varies from pale green to sage green, and it produces a natural gel that can help in easing the pain and irritation caused by minor burns or other skin problems.
Fun fact!
Aloe vera gel is one of the most commonly used cosmetics products in the world, as it soothes the skin and provides the skin with a cooling sensation.
So next time you see a cute boy or girl with great skin, ask them which aloe vera gel companies they prefer!
Celery
Celery is a vegetable that humans have been munching on since ancient times. Celery is a part of the Apiaceae family, which includes many other plants and vegetables such as carrots, parsley, etc It is fibrous and can help with digestion problems and cardiovascular strength.
Jade
Jade is another kind of mineral which is green in color and is widely used in ornaments. They are much paler as compared to something like emeralds, but they still hold a lot of value in the eastern and southern parts of Asia. Jade is mostly used for making ornaments, small sculptures, and utilitarian objects.
Napa Cabbages
Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage used in many different cuisines. It is said to have originated in the Beijing region of China.
The word “napa” in Napa cabbages has originated from the Japanese word “Nappa” which refers to leaves of any vegetables, which are generally used in food.
Artichokes
Artichokes, also known as globe artichokes, are a part of the Asteraceae family, which are grown for their edible flower buds. Artichokes are considered special because they are really low in fat contents while being rich in fiber, vitamins, and many antioxidants.
Artichoke contains chemicals that can help reduce spasms, gastric problems, and nausea.
Brussels sprouts
Brussel sprouts, or as I like to call them, mini cabbages, are a part of the cabbage family. They are grown for their edible buds and are often enjoyed roasted or steamed. (I prefer mine steamed).
Kiwi (Fruit)
While being slightly brown on the outside, when cut, the kiwi reveals a bright green-colored fleshy texture on the inside.
The native land where this fruit is grown is Taiwan and China, but they are also grown for commercial purposes in places like New Zealand and California.
Green Grapes
One of my favorite fruits, green grapes, is a sweet and sour fruit that grows in bunches and is munched on a lot as a snack.
But they are much more than just a snack! Green grapes are filled with vitamins and minerals which makes our body strong.
Parsley
Mostly used for garnishing and in making seasonings and sauces, parsley is a dark green plant with yellow flowers.
Parsley is said to have plant compounds that can help our body fight cancer. Parsley is also said to have large amounts of vitamin K, which increases bone health.
Serrano Peppers
The serrano pepper is a type of chili pepper grown in the mountain regions of Mexico. The name “serrano” has been derived directly from the name of the mountains in which they are grown, namely the sierras.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are pretty famous among US cuisines. Collard greens consumption can help with type- diabetes and helps in achieving good blood sugar levels.
Collard green contains a high amount of fiber which helps in digestion. Collard greens are usually consumed with smoked meats, or as salads.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a leafy vegetable made of % water and is famous for making bases for many dishes. It is usually used in salads or as salad dressings, but it is way more than that!
Lettuce is packed with vitamins and minerals, which help our body fight several diseases.
Mantises
Mantises are insects with over , species and are scattered throughout tropical and temperate regions. The most common mantis is called the Praying mantis. Mantises are known for their unusual stance and their way of ambushing their prey.
They have triangular-shaped heads and, bulging eyes, elongated limbs with extraordinary grip strength.
Avocados
Avocado is a fruit rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, and also a really good source of folate. They also supply the body with more fiber than any other fruit, which contains many valuable minerals like iron, potassium, and copper.
Olives
People might have seen black olives as a topic on their pizza, but ripe olives have a bright green color. Green olives have a large amount of vitamin E and contain many powerful antioxidants which help our bodies.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green plant, mostly grown in western Asia. It is a dark green plant generally used for salads and side dishes, but if you steam the leaves, you might notice a difference in the taste compared to when eaten raw.
Green Beans
The difference between green beans and other beans is that green beans are green! They are unripe fruits of various cultivators of the common beans. Green beans are known by different names such as French beans, String beans, Snap beans, and many more.
Limes
Tart and sour, limes are citrus fruits loaded with vitamin C. Though they are milder than lemons, they are more fragrant and acidic.
Eating or drinking lime juice helps in building immunity prevents kidney stones, and reduces the risk of heart-related diseases.
Marrow
Yeah, we are not talking about bone marrow here. Instead, we are talking about the fruit marrow, which is pale green and is used as a vegetable.
Marrows are full of nutrients and give us many health benefits. They might help people lose weight, improve their vision and strengthen their bones.
Zucchinis
The most common type of zucchinis found is either dark green in color or dark green with stripes of light green. Zucchini, also known as baby marrow, is a type of squash found in summer and can be eaten raw or with foods like soups, stews, sandwiches, etc.
Caterpillars
Green caterpillars can be found anywhere where there is greenery. These insects mostly feed on green leaves a lot and transform into beautiful butterflies in the later stages of their life. They are generally harmless and non-poisonous, but some of them might spit acid and cause severe stings.
Grasshoppers
Probably one of the oldest types of insects roaming the earth, brown and green grasshoppers can be found anywhere. They belong to the suborder chelicera and are usually harmless.
Fact about grasshoppers!!
They are one of the oldest living insects on the planet, and were used as a symbol of Athens for several years!! They were also used as mascots.
Green vine snakes
We’ve all seen snakes now and then. Some slither through bushes and grass, while some might come in the form of friends and family…..
Jokes aside, Green vine snakes are delicate looking and use their tail to hang from branches of trees while searching for prey. They are usually found in rainforest areas.
Iguanas
Iguanas are a group of lizards that are found in areas such as Mexico, and South and Central America. They have a long life span and are said to have three eyes( they also hate the cold, Just like me!!).
African Chameleons
The African Chameleon, also known as the Sahel chameleon, is a chameleon native to the Nile valley.
They can change the color of their skin to save themselves from predators, but their default skin color is bright green.
Tomato worms
Tomato worms are very large caterpillars with horn-like tails and false eyes. They are said to be very persistent bugs and it’s not easy to eliminate them. They are found in gardens and forests, munching on tomatoes.
Arugula
For some reason, Arugula leaves, also known as rockets, is a lesser-known vegetable that provides the same health benefits as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They are tender, tangy, and bite-sized.
Glass Frogs
The name is derived from the fact that these frogs almost have skin that looks like it’s pale and transparent, but in reality, they are green in color. They occur in tropical low-land forests and mid-elevation mountains.
Green Gladiolus Flowers
These flowers bloom on a single stalk in a plant, and the flowers have a lime-green color with a slight tint of white on their petals. They are bright green, can grow up to cm, and are known for their attractiveness.
Dill
Dill is a medicinal herb, which has been used for many years. It is an easy-to-find herb and is mostly used as a garnish, or in salads.
Dill is low in calories, but it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals required by our bodies. Dill consumption helps in improving eyesight and the immune system.
Green Tea
If you have ever considered losing weight in your life, then you probably know about green tea. Green tea extract can also be used as an ointment for the skin and is said to improve skin health.
It is made of the same tea leave from which we derive black tea, but without the aging process used for black tea.
Jalapeno Peppers
Even though they are milder and sweeter as compared to other peppers, jalapeno peppers still pack heat!!
They can grow up to cm and originate in South America. They are grown all year round. They have antioxidants that help our cell fight damage and other threats.
Peas
Even though it is a fruit, Pea is mostly consumed as a vegetable. Pea is spherical and looks like tiny seeds.
They are found in the seed pods of the flowering plant species Pisum sativum. Peas taste slightly sweet and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Mustard Greens
Yeah yeah, I know what you’re thinking right now. Even though you might think that mustard is a yellow sticky substance that people spread all over their sandwiches and burgers, we are not discussing that.
Green Apples
Green apples have a slightly more sour taste than red apples and are famous among bakers for their firm texture even after hours of cooking. The most famous green apple is the Granny smith apple.
Cucumbers
We have already discussed how dills are used to make pickles, but cucumber is also an important part of the tasty pickles people eat as snacks. Cucumbers are dark green and are said to be originally grown in India.
Chinese Water Dragons
The Chinese water dragon, also known as the green water dragon, is a species of agamid lizard, native to China and parts of Southeast Asia. These lizards are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.
They like to spend their time relaxing on trees near waterbodies, where they sunbathe and eat insects (I wish I could live a life like that…)
Green Chrysanthemum
While red chrysanthemums represent love and yellow chrysanthemum represent rejected love in the victorian flower language, green chrysanthemums are said to represent good fortune, rebirth, and good health.
Peacocks
Peacocks are easily identifiable in the wild because of their astonishing features. One of these features is their green and blue colored tail. They are featured in traditional arts of India and are said to dance when it rains.
Soursop
Also known as Graviola, Soursop is the fruit of a tree native to the tropical regions of America, namely Annona Muricata.
Despite the name, the fruit is said to have a creamy texture and taste similar to strawberries and pineapple.
Clover
You’ve probably seen people collect four-leave clovers for good luck, but on some rare occasions, clovers can grow in a cluster of five and six.
Clover is used for nitrogen fixation, which feeds grasses and helps in reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.
Snake Plant
A common houseplant, Sansevieria trifasciata is native to Asia and Africa. Snake plants can be easily identified because of their long, spiky leaves with a dark greenish color in the middle and a bright yellow color at the borders.
Pacific Tree Frog
The Pacific Tree Frog, also known as the Pacific Chorus frog, is famous for its skin glands that give it a bright green color and a waxy coating on the outside. The type of frog is found in regions of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California.
They can grow up to two inches and have a bright green color on the upper side of their body, while the underside is brown.
Alligators
Alligators are also one of the most ancient species present on earth. While it may not seem like but on closer look, you can see that alligators have dark green skin.
They are said to have many teeth and insane jaw strength which can leave their prey decapitated in one bite.
Fact about alligators!
While often portrayed as fearsome reptilian predators, alligators have some surprising facets to their nature. One of the most fascinating things about these ancient creatures is that they continue to grow throughout their entire lives.
From the moment they hatch until their last day, they never truly stop growing, although the rate slows considerably as they age.
Green Anjou Pears
Green Anjoy Pears are easy to find in the wild because of their egg-shaped appearance. They are said to have a fleshy inside with a taste of mildly sweet and citrus. Anjou pears stay green even when they are ripe.
Okra
There are two types of people in this world. Ones that hate okra because of its slimy taste or the ones that love it for the same reason.
Even though okra is treated as a vegetable by everyone, it is a fruit! Okra is cooked by steaming it as a whole or by slicing it.
Chives
Chives are a type of herb that is used in many cuisines as a garnish. The taste of chives is explained to be similar to that of garlic and onions, but comparatively milder.
Honeydew
Honeydews are known for their fleshy and juicy texture. They are used for many side dishes or consumed as a dessert because of their sweet, earthy flavor.
The skin of these melons is green in color and the flesh appears light green when cut.
Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus Parrots are considered unique because of their high intelligence and their loving and caring nature.
The male version of these parrots is bright green, with mostly blue or red tails, while the female version is usually bright red.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a herb that is used in Mediterranean cuisines such as soups, fish, meats, and roasted vegetables. Rosemary isn’t only used for garnishes and creates an excellent fragrance used in producing perfumes.
Broccoli
Broccoli is eaten probably by anyone who hits the gym. It is a part of the cabbage family and is consumed for its health benefits. Broccoli is mostly eaten steamed.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a green vegetable, which looks like a long spear with a pointed end. They are said to have a distinct flavor and are consumed on a large scale because of the number of dietary fibers presents in them.
Common Green Magpies
Common green magpies are a member of the crow family and have a turquoise green color. They are found in the Himalayan and the southeastern regions of India. They feed on insects and small reptiles.
Knight Anoles
Knight Anoles or Cuban Knight Anoles, are the largest species of the anole family. They have a light green color and are native to Cuba, but recently it has been discovered that they are also thriving in Florida.
Green Honeycreepers
The Green Honeycreepers are a small species of the tanager family. They are found in southern Mexico, parts of brazil, and Trinidad.
They are also known as chlorophane birds because in Greek the word chlorophane means “green”.
Green Bee-Eaters
The Green Bee-Eater is a mesmerizing sight in the skies of Asia and Africa. These diminutive birds, weighing in at a mere twenty grams, are adorned with a delicate palette of green hues, which allows them to seamlessly blend into the verdant landscapes. But their true spectacle is in their agile aerial acrobatics.
Boomslang Snakes
The boomslang snakes are said to be extremely shy in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. They tend to flee if they see a creature bigger than themselves.
Even though they are shy, they are highly venomous and their venom can be fatal to humans.
Green Hypericum Berries
Dark green in color, these berries are derived from St. John’s Wort, a type of flowering plant that also produces bright yellow flowers.
Green hypericum berries are used in wedding bouquets because of their beautiful color and are also a good natural food packed with nutrients.
Rubber Figs
Ficus elastica or rubber figs is a large tree belonging to the banyan group of figs, which can grow up to meters tall.
They are found mostly in the southeastern part of Asia. They are said to twist their roots so that it forms “living bridges”.
Green Eyes
Green eyes are the rarest eyes in the world, with only percent of the population having such eyes.
Green eyes are formed due to a genetic mutation in a person which causes a low level of melanin in them, making their eyes look like the shade of emeralds.
Orchid bees
They are found in the Amazon and the forest of Mexico. They have a dark, metallic green color, which makes them look different from other bees. Orchid bees are also less hairy than other bees and have a tongue twice their body size.
Green Trick Dianthus
Because of their soft bristles and bright green tones, these flowers are used in bouquets. These flowers are known for their unusual green petals, and they can survive in water for long periods because of their strong stems.
Green sweat bees
As the name suggests, these bees are attracted to the salt produced in human sweat. These bees can be easily distinguished because of their bright metallic green color, and are usually harmless, but can sting if disturbed.
Gray Tree Frogs
Gray Tree Frogs are native to the eastern United States. Their color changes as they age. It goes from grey to green to back to grey. They are also known as eastern grey treefrog and common grey treefrog.
Green Lacewings
These attractive little insects have pale green skin with transparent wings. They tend to feed on nectar and honeydew but occasionally feed on insects like aphids and mites. Sometimes they are said to bite humans if they feel threatened.
Katydids
Katydids, more commonly known as bush crickets, was originally thought to be horned grasshoppers, but later it was discovered that they are more related to crickets.
They can be identified by their bright green color and their distinct sound.
Emerald Green Tree Boa
Emerald tree boa is a species of boa found usually in rainforests, and mostly in rainforests of South America. These snakes can grow up to large meters tall and are said to have the largest front fangs as compared to any other venomous snake out there.
Mung Beans
Light green in color, mung beans is a staple of many southeast Asian countries. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a good source of protein. Mung beans have a variety of health benefits.
Edamame Beans
Edamame beans aren’t beans. Edamame refers to a specific way of cooking immature soybeans still in the pod, which includes boiling or steaming the green soybeans and serving it with salt or any other dipping sauce.
Bells Of Ireland
Molluccella bells or Bells of Ireland are flowers native to Turkey, Syria, and The Caspian sea regions.
The flowers are bright green, and the green sepals surround a smaller white flower, giving this flower a distinguished look.
Green Bell Peppers
Green Bell Peppers are simply nothing but unripe peppers. While ripe peppers like yellow and red peppers tend to have a sweet and slightly spicy taste, green bell peppers taste bitter. They are eaten because of their high nutrition content.
Fun Fact about Peppers!
When Columbus brought back bell peppers from America, the Europeans quickly named them pepper because any spicy plant was called pepper. Still, in reality, bell peppers are a fruit.
Lady Slipper Orchids
Also known as Lady slippers, these flowers are a part of the family Orchidaceae. The lip of the flower is slipper-shaped, which gives it a different look from other flowers.
They are found in many colors throughout Eurasia and America, but the most commonly occurring are the ones that are green and white.
Green Hellebores
A part of the buttercup family, hellebores grow in various colors. Helleborus viridis, more commonly called Green Hellebores, are found in parts of central and western Europe.
Emerald Cockroach Wasp
Found in Madagascar and Chile, these wasps are called so because of their metallic green exoskeleton and also because they are a parasite of the common cockroach.
The females of this species are about m long, and the males are about half the size of the females.
Green Moray Eel
The green moray eel is commonly found everywhere in oceans and seas. The green coloring is there to provide camouflage while swimming. Green moray eels are the largest moray eels and can grow up to feet.
Green Lynx Spider
Green Lynx Spiders are known to have long, spiky legs which help them move from plant to plant easily. Their see-through skin allows them to blend in with plants easily.
Mint
Mint is an aromatic herb that can be grown all year round and is added to drinks or baked treats. They are also called Mentha and can be used fresh, dried, or as essential oils.
Orange Crowned Warbler
These birds are famous for finding and eating insects at odd places. The bird has olive green feathers that fade to grey as it reaches its head and have a distinct orange crown.
Painted Turtle
Painted turtles are rather hard to find, because of their love for muddy waters. But one can easily spot them taking a sunbathe on a log, because of their dull green shell and black and yellow striped neck.
Pacific Banana Slug
The Pacific Banana Slug, often affectionately termed the “green machine,” plays a pivotal role in the health of forest ecosystems. Despite their sluggish demeanor, they’re formidable composters, breaking down dead leaves and animal droppings.
While their green hue helps them blend into their surroundings, their importance in maintaining a balanced environment stands out.
Green Spotted Pufferfish
Dwelling in brackish waters, the Green Spotted Pufferfish is a marvel of the aquatic world. Their vibrant green skin, adorned with contrasting black spots, captivates aquarium enthusiasts and marine biologists alike.
But beyond their striking appearance, their adaptability and unique requirements make them both a challenge and a joy for those who appreciate aquatic life.
Northern Leopard Frog
The Northern Leopard Frog is a celebration of nature’s palette, with its light green skin elegantly marked with brown spots, reminiscent of the majestic leopard.
Preferring wetlands and ponds, they play an important role in controlling insect populations, delighting in a varied diet of small insects, spiders, and larvae.
Ruby Crowned Kinglet
In the serene heights of mountain forests, the Ruby Crowned Kinglet flits from tree to tree.
Their overall green plumage might seem understated, but a glimpse of the hidden fiery orange crown on their head reveals their true ornate beauty. These birds are a testament to nature’s ability to hide wonders in plain sight.
Bok Choy
A perfect blend of crispness and tenderness, Bok Choy feels like a cross between celery and lettuce.
Revered as a culinary staple for millennia in China, this leafy vegetable, also known as Chinese cabbage, has transcended borders to become a beloved ingredient worldwide, enriching dishes with its mild, sweet flavor and rich nutritional profile.
Veiled Chameleon
Veiled Chameleons, also called Cone-Headed Chameleons are usually pale green because it provides camouflage to them. The males are usually colored the brightest and can change colors when stressed.
Emerald Green Tree Snail
These snails have a very unusual emerald color shell compared to other snails. Because of this beautiful color, they are a treasure for many artisans, jewelry makers, and collectors. The green color of the shell is because of a very thin layer of protein over the shell.
Rose-Ringed Parrot
Commonly known as the Indian ringneck Parrot, these medium-sized birds are found in parts of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. They are one of the many species that have survived the onslaught of urbanization and are sold as exotic pets in many parts of the world.
Red Eyed Tree Frogs
These iconic frogs are found in rainforests. They sleep during the day under leaves and reveal their large bulging red eyes, big webbed feet, and bright green skin if disturbed.
Green Jay
They are found in central America and belong to the species of the New World Jays. They can grow up to cm and mostly feed on insects and other invertebrates. They usually have green wings and blue heads.
Resplendent Quetzal
These birds are small in size in parts of Mexico and Central America. They are known for their colorful plumage which varies between sexes. These birds tend to prey on insects, lizards, frogs, and snails.
Kakapo
The kakapo is a large bird that looks like a mixture of a parrot and an owl and has beautiful green feathers. Their wings are softer as compared to other parrots, which makes them flightless.
Fun Fact!
Even though Kakapos can’t fly, they have strong legs that help them climb and hike through trees and mountains.
Green Bee Eater
Also known as the Asian Bee-eater or the little Bee-eater, these birds are known for their intense green color. They belong to the bee-eater family of birds and feed mostly on bees.
Eastern Green Mamba
These snakes are gifted with a slender build and have bright green-colored and yellow ventral scales. They are one of the most venomous reptiles of the mamba genus and are often observed ambushing their prey.
Conclusion
Though there are a lot of things that are green and are present in nature, we’ve only covered a few of them. This list might give you an idea about how vast our environment is and how we miss the most of it.
Now that you’ve got an idea about just how many green things are present in our nature, try to make a list of your own, and you’ll realize that our environment is a beautiful, never-ending spectrum of colors.
More To Explore:
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