Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Epiphyte |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Central to South America (Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil) |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Epiphtye with creeping stems to 50cm in length |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves leathery, elliptic, ovate elliptic - lanceolate, 8cm-17cm long by 3-7.5cm wide, upper surface mid - dark green; venation distinct, lateral veins slightly sunken, mid rib raised, light green, prominent. Under surface of leaves very pale light green, lateral veins very faint, mid rib raised, light green to yellowish green. |
| Flowers | Spathe greenish white - white, to 3.5cm long by 1.9cm wide, held erect at anthesis, |
| Fruit | Berries white or occasionally pale lavender, globose, to 0.7cm long. |
| Habitat | In forests from 0-800m |
| Similar | This species is often confused with Anthurium scandens, from which it can be distinguished by the persistent spathe that remains erect well after flowering. In A. scandens the spathe is fully reflexed (bent backwards and away from the axis of the spadix) at flowering. In habitat, this species is also confined to lower altitudes (to 800m) as compared to A. scandens, which has been recorded from altitudes to 2,700m. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Skyrise / Balcony, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Irritant - Sap |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny, Leathery |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30888 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5265 |
| 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. |
