This juvenile Philodendron was acquired in 2007 but the tag has vanished and no collection data exists.  I have no idea of the source nor any info on the origin of the species in the wild.  As Dr. Croat often tells me without good collection data it is often impossible to accurately identify a specimen.  A friend in Ecuador has reported a similar species having been observed around Mindo and Nanegalito as well as in the Pacto-Gualea corridor of Ecuador.  That plant is thought to be terrestrial as well but at present it is not known if the two are the same species.  It is not uncommon for juvenile terrestrial species to morph into climbing species as they age and grow.

 

The leaf blades are mildly coriaceous (leathery) and the largest blade measures approximately (15cm) 6 inches.  The adaxial leaf surface (topside) is dark green and semi-glossy while the abaxial surface (underside) is slightly bicolorous (two colored), lighter in color than the upper surface and matte in appearance. 

 

The petioles are canaliculate (C shaped) with striation (tiny parallel lines) along the axis.   The cataphylls have yet to be observed or photographed.

 

The roots are reddish and the Philodendron appears to grow as a terrestrial species showing no indication at present of wanting to climb.  The internodes are short.

 

No inflorescence has yet been observed or photographed.

 

No other info is currently available.  There are highly magnified detailed photos below.  If you can suggest a species name I would appreciate the assist.

 

Several people have suggested this plant is P. callosum.  I will admit it is somewhat similar to P callosum but there are several differences of which I am aware.  Dr. Croat's field notes indicate P. callosum has primary lateral veins that are obscure on both sides and scarcely visible above but not at all obvious below. The veins are obvious on both sides of my specimen. He also says the petioles of P. callosum are sharply C-shaped, medium green, striate (having parallel lines) and weakly purplish warty. My specimen has the C shape and striation. He continues the blades are subcoriaceous and finely rugose.   My plant shows no signs of being rugose or having rough reticulation.

 

See the detailed photos of both leaf surfaces, petioles, roots, and stem below.