![]() It’s a commercially significant plant in various areas, but as described by the University of the West Indies, it has been a bumpy ride: They’re mostly epiphytes, meaning they grow on and climb other plants (like trees) in a non-parasitic manner. (Other epiphytes you might be familiar with as houseplants include string of turtles, heart Hoyas, air plants, arrowhead plants, and Christmas cacti.) Cultural significance and usesĪnthurium has been commercially grown since at least the start of the 20th century, so it has quite a history behind it. In its natural habitat, Anthurium andraeanum can be found in tropical forests, which are characterized by their limited light and high humidity. It’s only in this country and Ecuador that the plant is naturally found, although it’s also an invasive species in other regions, including the Caribbean. This name refers to the horticulturists who first described it, with André having collected it in Colombia in 1876. There is, however, an “original” plant: Anthurium andraeanum Linden ex André. Scientifically, these hybrids are collectively referred to as Anthurium andraeanum (Hort.). They’re man-made hybrids produced through crossing different types of Anthuriums. Obviously, the Anthuriums you’ll find in your local plant store don’t technically have a natural habitat. Naturally, Anthurium flowers range from vibrant orange to lipstick red, but hybridization and selective cultivation have resulted in a range spanning from white to green to pink and everything in between. An Anthurium “flower” is actually a spadix (flower spike) enclosed in a waxy, leaf-like covering called a bract. And because the “flowers” are actually modified leaves, they provide long-lasting color on the plant. Some people might even say Anthurium flowers look plastic or almost fake-they’re that perfect. You’ll recognize an Anthurium by its large, vaguely heart-shaped green leaves and especially its shiny, leathery flowers. Related: Make Anthurium Clarinervium Thrive: Expert Care Tips for Beginners In fact, it’s so well-known that “Anthurium” usually refers to Anthurium andraeanum specifically, even though it’s the name for the entire genus. Also known as flamingo flower, flamingo lily, laceleaf, or painter’s palette, this houseplant is popular specifically due to its lovely blooms. In most other aroid plants (like Philodendron gloriosum, Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, Alocasia ‘Polly’, and other Alocasia varieties), this flower is white and not much of an eye-catcher-the plants are grown primarily for their foliage.Īnthurium andraeanum is an exception. The flowers, known as spathes, consist of a long spadix (flower spike) and a leaf-like covering (called a bract). The genus Anthurium is a member of the family Araceae, the aroids, which are characterized by their flowers. If you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission. Their curious lavender, red, pink, or white heart-shaped flowers have a twisted spadix (inflorescence) from white to yellow in the center.Disclosure: All products on this page are independently selected. The flowers are kept in closely spaced spirals on the spadix. The inflorescence has small, perfect flowers that contain female and male structures. The leaves are sometimes clustered and vary in shape. It is a genus of herbaceous plants that often grow as epiphytes on other flowering plants. The genus Anthurium is native to America and distributed from northern Argentina to northern Mexico. ![]() The drooping, heart-shaped leaves (up to 8” long) occur in clusters on the long stems of the plant canopy and are attractive throughout the year. There are over 1000 species of Anthurium. Its attractive, bright red, paddle-shaped, waxy spathe and contrasting dark green leaves. The spectacular beauty of its flower, both as cut and, on the plant, allures and surpasses or even obliterates the fact that it isn’t scented.įlamingo Flower, commonly known as the painter’s palette or flamenco lily, is native to Ecuador and Colombia.įlamingo Flower is a tropical, epiphytic evergreen perennial in the Araceae family. Of course, you can’t eat it – like other Latin American gifts, i.e., potatoes and tomatoes – but decorate, groomes, and adorns. The Flamingo Flower ( Anthurium andraeanum) is another gift from the tropical forests of Latin America to humanity. ![]()
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