<P> By convention, the italicised term variegata as the second part of the Latin binomial name, indicates a species found in the wild with variegation (Aloe variegata). The much more common, non-italicised, inclusion of' Variegata' as the third element of a name indicates a variegated cultivar of an unvariegated parent (Aucuba japonica' Variegata'). However, not all variegated plants have this Latin tag, for instance many cultivars of Pelargonium have some zonal variegation in their leaves . Other types of variegation may be indicated, e.g. Daphne odora' Aureomarginata' has yellow edging on its leaves . </P> <P> Variegated plants have long been valued by gardeners, as the usually lighter - coloured variegation can' lift' what would otherwise be blocks of solid green foliage . Many gardening societies have specialist variegated plants groups, such as the Hardy Plant Society's Variegated Plant Special Interest Group in the UK . Several gardening books which deal exclusively with variegated plants are available . </P>

Why do plants with normal leaves grow more than plants with variegated leaves