Philodendron hederaceum

Philodendron hederaceum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Species: P. hederaceum
Binomial name
Philodendron hederaceum
Schott
Varieties

P. hederaceum var. hederaceum
P. hederaceum var. kirkbridei
P. hederaceum var. oxycardium

Synonyms

Philodendron hederaceum[1] (common name: heartleaf philodendron) is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Central America and the Caribbean.

Description and cultivation

It is an evergreen climber growing to 3–6 m (10–20 ft), with heart-shaped glossy leaves to 30 cm (12 in) long, and occasionally spathes of white flowers in mature plants. With a minimum temperature requirement of 15 °C (59 °F), in temperate regions it must be grown under glass or as a houseplant.[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

Toxicity

Parts of the plant are known to contain calcium oxalate crystals in varying concentrations. Although the plant is known to be toxic to mice and rats, the current literature is conflicting with regards to its toxicity in cats.[4][5][6] Its possible toxic effects on humans are currently unknown although likely very mild if not harmless.[7]

References

  1. ↑ USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. (23 Feb 2006). "Taxon: Philodendron hederaceum (Jacq.) Schott". Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  2. ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  3. ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Philodendron scandens". Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  4. ↑ Der Marderosian, Ara and Giller, F. and Roia, F. (1976). Phytochemical and Toxicological Screening of Household Ornamental Plants Potentially Toxic to Humans. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health. 1: 939-953.
  5. ↑ Greer, M. J. (1961). Plant Poisonings in Cats. Mod. Vet. Pract., 42, 62.
  6. ↑ Sellers, Sarah J. and King, Maralee and Aronson, Carl E. and Der Marderosian, Ara (1978). Toxocologic Assessment of Philodendron Oxycardium Schott (Araceae) in Domestic Cats. Veterinary and Human Toxicology. Vol. 20, pp. 92-96, ISSN 0145-6296
  7. ↑ Mrvos, Rita and Dean, Bonnie S. and Krenzelok, Edward P. (1991). Philodendron/Dieffenbachia Ingestions: Are They a Problem?. Clinical Toxicology,29:4,p. 485—491

External links