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Anthurium vittariifolium

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Anthurium vittariifolium Engl.

Family Name: Araceae

Anthurium vittariifolium is a herbaceous epiphyte with long, pendulous leaves. It can be grown in hanging pots or baskets. This species is characterised by its long peduncle with purple spots, and a green or densely mottled purple spathe.

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Epiphyte, Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a herbaceous epiphyte that hangs from tree trunks and branches.
Roots The roots are white, thick, and sprout from the stem nodes.
Foliage The pendulous leaves are dark green, narrow or narrow-lanceolate in shape, growing up to 120 cm long and 5.7 cm wide. The petiole (leaf stalk) can grow up to 29 cm long.
Flowers The inflorescence is a long, pendulous spadix, growing up to 19.5 cm long. Individual flowers are highly reduced and bisexual. The spadix is subtended by a lance-shaped spathe that somewhat twists and curls. The spathe can either be entirely green or densely mottled purple. The peduncle (main stalk of inflorescence) is mottled with purple dots.
Fruit The infructescence is composed of multiple subglobose berries that turn reddish-pink when ripe.
Habitat It can be found in tropical moist rainforests at 90-650 m above sea level.
Cultivation It grows best in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade with moist, well-draining, airy planting media. It is suitable for hanging pots and baskets, but must be kept from strong winds as this would dry up the leaves. It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology The generic epithet Anthurium means 'tail-flower', referring to the tail-like spadix in some species.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses Suitable for Hanging Baskets

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 Occasional Misting, Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate to Slow
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Spiral
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Oblanceolate, Linear)
Foliar Venation Parallel
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute, Acuminate
Foliar Base Acute, Rounded / Obtuse

Non - Foliar and Storage

Root Type Underground (Fibrous Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers , Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Green - Light Green, Yellow / Golden
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Inflorescence Type Spathe & Spadix

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Pink, Red, Orange
Mature Fruit Texture(s) Smooth
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type
Mature Seed Colour(s) Yellow / Golden
Mature Seed Texture(s) Smooth

References

References Delannay, X. & Croat, T.B. (2020) Revision of Anthurium Schott sect. Leptanthurium (Schott) Engl. (Araceae). 178-184.

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Master ID 21741
Species ID 3365
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: 18 December 2024.
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