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Rhaphidophora cryptantha

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Rhaphidophora cryptantha P.C.Boyce & C.M.Allen

Family Name: Araceae

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Climber

Biogeography

Native Distribution The exact origin of this species is not known, but it was first discovered growing in Lae Botanic Gardens in Papua New Guinea. 
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Slender to robust vine to 3m in length
Foliage Adult plants with densely leafy sterile stems; leaves distichous, shingling, broadly obvate with a cordate base, green with silver grey reticulation, appressed on growing susbtrate. 'Foragaing' shoots flagellate, thin, with long internodes 3-4cm in length. 
Flowers Inflorescences often completely hidden behind the appressed leaves, on short, abbreviated stems arising from the leaf axils. Spathe yellow. 
Cultivation In cultivation, the pre-adult plants are often mistaken for Monstera dubia, another species in cultivation with shingling, silver-streaked leaves. These two are easily differentiated from the orientation of the leaves -  in Rhaphidophora cryptantha the leaves are ascending direction, whereas in Monstera dubia, the leaves are descending. 
Etymology The specific epithet refers to the inflorescences, as these are found behind the appressed leaves and are either completely hidden or with only the tip of the spathe showing. 

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant
Thematic Landscaping Silver Garden
Usage Hazard - Cons Irritant - Sap

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water, Occasional Misting
Rootzone Tolerance Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Planting Remarks This species can be allowed to creep up tree trunks or an alternative form of support. It can also be trained to grow on walls, but the walls should be in semi-shaded areas where the surface temperatures will be much cooler. It is also important to note that the clasping roots can damage painted surfaces, so it is not recommended for walls that have been painted over. 
Propagation Method Stem Cutting

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green, Silver / Grey
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth

Image Repository

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Master ID 31903
Species ID 6305
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.
Species record last updated on: 20 August 2021.
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