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Aroids and other genera in the Collection      Take the Tour Now?     Orchids
The Exotic Rainforest
Plants in the Exotic Rainforest Collection
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In depth information on how to grow Philodendron species, Click this Link

Within our collection we have many species of Philodendron.  If you are seeking other photos, click this link
 

This plant is currently being researched and the information on this page is little more than my personal research notes.


Philodendron

collected near Limón, Ecuador
species unknown

 


 


 Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden examined my specimen briefly in Miami in September, 2008 as well as the photos on this page and does not appear to believe this Philodendron has been identified to science.  The specimen was acquired from an Ecuadorian plant nursery and was supposedly originally collected near Limón, Ecuador.  Limón is between Quito and Guayaquil.   However, verified collection data is not verified.

Apparently an epiphyte (ep-a-FIT) or hemiepiphytic climbing vine, the petioles which connect the leaf blade to the stem are spongy and almost "D" shaped to shallowly and broadly canaliculate ("C" shaped) at the apex but shallower near the base.  The shape of the adaxial surface (upper) of the petiole appears to change due to the collection and storage of water and/or starches.  The total length of the blades and petioles are approximately 3 feet (90cm).  The petioles measure 3/4 inch (2cm) in thickness and alone are about 12 inches (30cm) in length.  The blades are subcoriaceous (less than leathery), oblanceolate (both oblong and lance shaped) and presently measure approximately 24 inches (60cm).  The blades of our specimen possess 11 to 13 primary lateral leaf veins per life side.  The mid rib and petioles appear sulcate and have numerous fine parallel grooves.  The upper blade (adaxial surface) is highly glossy while the underside (abaxial surface) is matte and bicolorous.   The primary lateral leaf veins are sunken and are conspicuously quilted on the adaxial surface, veins are convex beneath.  No tertiary veins (minor veins) are apparent.  The stem of the plant is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8cm) thick with pubescence (hair) and the roots are tan and relatively fine in appearance.  The internodes are                      Stem
long measuring approximately 6.3 to 7,6 cm  (2.5 to 3 inches).
 
Neither the cataphylls nor an inflorescence has been observed.
Above:  Adaxial leaf blade surface.   Blades are conspicuously quilted.  Petioles showing both shallow canaliculate and D shaped adaxial surfaces.  Both the stems and mid rib are sulcate. 
 
Above: Close up of blade midrib with more detailed leaf texture.
 
 
Above: Stem with relatively fine roots and pubescence.  Internodes measure 2.5 to 3 inches.above


 
 
Above and below:  Petioles, lower petiole above is D shaped, upper is more canaliculate (C shaped) near the base.  Sulcate surfaces and be observed in the photo below.
 
 
 
Above: Abaxial blade surface showing convex primary lateral leaf veins and bicolorous surface of the underside.

 
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If you are seeking information on other rare species, click on "Aroids and other genera in the Collection" at the top and look for the