Anthurium cupulispathum (Roxb.) K. Koch, Anthurium cupulispathum, Exotic Rainforest rare tropical plants

A terrestrial Anthurium species, Anthurium cupulispathum is a variable species and was identified by Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden along with an associate. According to TROPICOS (a service of the Missouri Botanical Garden) the species is found in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and portions of the northern and western areas of Brazil. Possessing subcoriacious to moderately coriacious (leathery) ovate-cordate (elongated heart shaped) leaves, the blades of Anthurium cupulispathum are semi-glossy on the upper surface.

In Ecuador and Colombia A. cupulispathumthe can be found at an elevation ranging from 300 meters to 2500 meters (1000 to 8000 feet) above sea level and it gets large. The leaves in native habitat can grow large enough for an adult to hide behind at close to 2 meters by 1 meter (six feet by three feet)! It is reported to be rare and the only source of the plant I am aware of has been Natural Selections Exotics in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Natural Selections' web address is located on our links page.

Anthurium cupulispathum prefers moderate shade, knowledgeable sources suggest around 30%. There are tinges of dark reddish brown to the blades and the leaves have a semi-glossy appearance. At places they tend slightly toward purple. The cataphylls, which are the plant structure that surrounds any new leaf that forms, are also tinged reddish and measure approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length. As they dry the cataphylls turn dark reddish brown and persist semi-intact as a fiberous material. The petioles which support the leaf blades are terete (cylindrical) to U-shaped. Being an aroid, the plant will eventually produce a spathe and spadix inflorescence which some incorrectly call a " flower". In truth, the spathe is simply a specialized leaf. The true flowers are located on the spadix at the center of the inflorescence. The Inflorescence stands erect on a peduncle ranging in length from 15 to 75cm long (6 inches to 2.5 feet). The spathe is tinged with purple with a pale reddish violet to red on the outside while it is dark red to pale green on the interior. Anthurium species are known to be highly variable and not every leaf of every specimen will always appear the same. This link explains in greater detail the scientific principals of natural variation and morphogenesis. Click here.

One interesting bit of information in a scientific text indicates Anthurium cupulispathum is a terrestrial Anthurium. Anthurium species are more commonly found growing in trees as epiphytes. Another interesting note in Dr. Croat's techinical information indicates the leaves are prone to decay. Our experience has shown this is certainly correct and the plant is extremely prone to damage by insects, wind and motion. We have our specimen planted in a hanging wooden basket packed with sphagnum moss and very loose soil.

You can find additional information on this species in the International Aroid Society journal, Aroideana, volume 18, 1995.

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