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Thaumatophyllum xanadu (Croat, Mayo & J.Boos) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo
| Family Name: | Araceae |
| Synonyms: | Philodendron xanadu Croat, Mayo & J.Boos |
Thaumatophyllum xanadu is a perennial aroid with pinnatisect leaves. Due to its compact size and form, it is a good choice for a houseplant as well as bright or shady corners of parks, gardens, and courtyards. While it resembles the Split-Leaf Philodendron (T. bipinnatifidum), a defining characteristic of this species is the C-shaped canal on the petiole, as compared to the flat upper surface of the petiole of the Split-Leaf Philodendron.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a perennial, shrubby aroid, usually growing to about 1.6 m wide and 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Roots | The adventitious roots are often reddish brown (about 9 – 14 mm in diameter) with longitudinal fissures. When injured, a pungent sap is exuded. |
| Foliage | The leaves are pinnatisect (pinnately divided almost to the midrib) with about 10 primary lateral lobes on each side, the leaf blade being 25-31 cm long and 17-25 cm wide. The leaf blade is glossy and leathery with the upperside being dark green and the undersides paler. The basal portion of the midrib on the bottom of the leaves are often of a reddish hue. The petiole (leaf stalk) is grooved, slightly glossy, and has a C-shaped canal on the upper section. Narrow cataphylls (scale leaves) are about 21 cm long and turn from green to dark brown when dried. When injured, a pungent sap is exuded. |
| Stems | The stem is dark brown with short internodes and can get up to 3-5 cm in diameter and has prominent eye-like leaf scars. When injured, a pungent sap is exuded. |
| Flowers | The inflorescence is a cream spadix, subtended by a spathe; both are borne on the leaf axil. The spathe has a deep purplish-brown exterior, and leathery. The spadix can reach up to 8.5-10.5 cm tall, with male flowers at the upper part of the spadix, sterile male flowers in the middle portion, and female flowers towards the base. Each flower is highly reduced to either stamens on males or a single pistil on females. In Singapore, flowering is rarely observed. |
| Similar | This species can from Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum by the leaf shape, the petiole, and the colour of the spathe. T. xanadu has leaves that are pinnatisect while those on T. bipinnatidifum are bipinnatifid (twice-pinnately lobed). The petiole of T. bipinnatidifum has a C-shaped canal while T. bipinnatidifum has a flat upper surface on the petiole. The spathes of T. xanadu are deep purplish-brown while those of T. bipinnatidifum are predominantly green. |
| Taxonomy | Though treated as a species, this plant was previously thought to be a hybrid, and given the cultivar name Philodendron 'Winterbourn', and later P. 'Xanadu'. |
| Cultivation | This species grows best in moist but porous, well-draining media, and full sun to partial shade conditions. It can be grown in the ground or as a container plant. It can be propagated by stem cuttings. |
| Etymology | The genus Thaumatophyllum is derived from the Greek thaumato, "wonder, miracle" and phyllon, "leaf", referring to the beautiful and peculiar leaves of the type species (Thaumatophyllum spruceanum). The specific epithet is taken from the cultivar name 'Xanadu' but the derivation of the name is unknown. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Cut - Dried Flower: The leaves are often used in floristy for foliage. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, General, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap, Toxic Upon Ingestion |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Irritant - Sap, Toxic Upon Ingestion: All parts of plant contains calcium oxalate crystals in their sap, causing mouth and throat irritation if ingested, and possible itchiness if in contact with the skin. Keep away from pets and children. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate to Slow |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Easy to Grow, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Modification | Flower/Fruit Bract |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette, Spiral |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong, Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Base | Cordate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers , Monoecious |
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White |
|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Inflorescence Type | Spathe & Spadix |
| Ovary Position | Superior / Hypogynous |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
References
| References | Croat, T.B., Mayo, S. & Boos, J.. (2002). A new species of Brazilian Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma (Araceae). Aroideana. 25. 63-66. Sakuragui, C.M. et al. (2018). Recognition of the genus Thaumatophyllum Schott − formerly Philodendron subg. Meconostigma (Araceae) − based on molecular and morphological evidence. PhytoKeys 98: 51–71. |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 190 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1486 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
