Anthurium (; Schott, 1829) is a genus of about 1,000 species of flowering plants, the largest genus of the arum family, Araceae. pigtail plant, and laceleaf.

The genus is native to the Americas, where it is distributed from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.

Description and biology

Anthurium is a genus of herbs often growing as epiphytes on other plants. Some are terrestrial. The leaves are often clustered and are variable in shape. The inflorescence bears small flowers which are perfect, containing male and female structures. The flowers are contained in close together spirals on the spadix. The spadix is often elongated into a spike shape, but it can be globe-shaped or club-shaped. Beneath the spadix is the spathe, a type of bract. This is variable in shape, as well, but it is lance-shaped in many species. It may extend out flat or in a curve. Sometimes it covers the spadix like a hood. The fruits develop from the flowers on the spadix. They are juicy berries varying in color, usually containing two seeds.

The spadix and spathe are a main focus of Anthurium breeders, who develop cultivars in bright colors and unique shapes. Anthurium scherzerianum and A. andraeanum, two of the most common taxa in cultivation, are the only species that grow bright red spathes. They have also been bred to produce spathes in many other colors and patterns.

Anthurium plants are toxic due to calcium oxalate crystals. The sap is irritating to the skin and eyes.

Propagation

Anthurium can be propagated by seed or vegetatively by cuttings. In the commercial Anthurium trade, most propagation is via tissue culture.

Species

For a full list, see the List of Anthurium species.

thumb|right|[[:en:Anthurium andraeanum|Anthurium andraeanum Princess Amalia Elegance]]

In 1860 there were 183 species known to science, and Heinrich Wilhelm Schott defined them in 28 sections in the book Prodromus Systematis Aroidearum. In 1905 the genus was revised with a description of 18 sections. In 1983 the genus was divided into the following sections:

  • Belolonchium
  • Calomystrium
  • Cardiolonchium
  • Chamaerepium
  • Cordatopunctatum
  • Dactylophyllium
  • Decurrentia
  • Digitinervium
  • Gymnopodium
  • Leptanthurium
  • Pachyneurium
  • Polyphyllium
  • Polyneurium
  • Porphyrochitonium
  • Schizoplacium
  • Semaeophyllium
  • Tetraspermium
  • Urospadix
  • Xialophyllium

<gallery>

File:Flamingo Flower Orchid.JPG|Flamingo Flower

File:Anthuriumpolyschistumjuvenile-araceum1.jpg|Anthurium polyschistum

Image:Anthurium digitatum0.jpg|Anthurium digitatum inflorescence

File:Anthurium scandens berries.jpg|Anthurium scandens fruits and leaves

File:Anthurium gracile.jpg|Anthurium gracile

Image:Starr 980529-1404 Anthurium andraeanum.jpg|Anthurium andraeanum

Anthurium obtusum (habitus).jpg|Anthurium obtusum

File:火鶴霹靂馬20190724201841.jpg|Anthurium andraeanum cv. Previa

</gallery>

Toxicity

  • All plants within the Anthurium genus are toxic to cats, dogs, and even horses. Each part of the plant, including the root, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds, poses a risk of toxicity. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, pain, swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keeping these plants away from your pets (and equines) is the best way to prevent a medical emergency.

See also

  • Spathiphyllum, similar looking plant genus of same family

References