Have you noticed how people, livestock and wild animals congregate in the shade of tall trees - even if man-made shade is available? 

Like solar panels, leaves don't just block the sun: they absorb its energy. As they grow and create new leaves, plants actively cool the air by several degrees, effectively providing natural air conditioning!

Any plant will help cool the air, but some species are particularly effective and suitable for cooling our living spaces.

We recommend cultivating the following native plants to harness this active cooling power and keep our homes and gardens naturally cool.

Species list curated by Social Ecologist Robert Wild M. Phil. less ↑