Philodendron barrosoanum was described to science in 1964 and is found in Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, portions of the Guiana Shield, Peru and Brazil.   P. barrosoanum is a hemiepiphyte which scientifically means it may either begin life as an epiphyte from a seed deposited on the branch of a tree by a bird and grow its roots down to the ground or it may begin its life in the soil and grow up the side of a tree.  Philodendron barrosoanum is found at an elevation of 100 to 1000 meters (330 to 3300 feet) and is known for its large tri-lobed leaf blades and terete (cylindrical) petioles.  The petiole is the portion of the plant that supports the leaf blade and is often referred to as a stem. 

The species is quite variable (see photo, right) and the leaf blade may take on a variety of forms.  The species does take on more than one blade shape with the principal difference being size.  One variation is capable of becoming substantially larger with an elongated lower lobe.  The tri-lobed leaf of P. barrosoanum is reported to have a spread up to approximately 46cm (18 inches), however juvenile specimens do not have the large lobes until they mature (see photo left).  Philodendron species, and especially hybrid forms, 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.

The peduncle, which supports the spathe and spadix is short.  The spathe is green to greenish white and a specimen may produce up to 5 inflorescences per axil.  The spathe is reddish/purple and is purple on the interior. 

Looking for a specimen?  Contact Natural Selections Exotics at www.NSExotics.com

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

Want to learn more about aroids?
Join the International Aroid Society:  http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Join%20IAS.html