Species in the Collection      Rainforest Tour      Orchids

The Exotic Rainforest
Plants in the Exotic Rainforest Collection
Images on this website are Copyright protected.  They are not in the public domain!  Contact us before attempting to reuse.

In depth information on how to grow Philodendron species, Click this Link

Within our collection we have over 70 species of Philodendron.  If you are seeking other photos, click this link:

                                  Philodendron tripartitum (Jacq.) Schott

xxxxx

Philodendron tripartitum is sometimes known by the botanical name Philodendron fenzlii but is correctly Philodendron tripartitum.  You can easily find the species on the internet under either name but botanists have determined the earliest name, thus the accepted name, to be P. tripartitum.  It was first identified in 1829 and named Philodendron tripartitum due to the structure of its tri-lobed leaves.  In 1878 Botanist England attempted to rename the species Philodendron fenzlii, but under the rules of botanical nomenclature the earliest name prevails. 

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.

Philodendron tripartitum ranges from Mexico to Ecuador from near sea level to 4000 feet (1300 meters)  in elevation.  In almost all of Central America the species can be found along the Caribbean, in Mexico in the states of Veracruz to Tabasco, and then throughout the balance of Central America reaching well into South America.  It occurs on both sides of Costa Rica and Panama and as far south as Colombia, Ecuador and parts of Brazil.  Primarily found in Mexico, Philodendron tripartitum occurs in Selva Alta Perennifolia and its rain forests to Bosque Caducifolia.  In Costa Rica and Panama, the species is found primarily in tropical wet rain forests to pre-mountainous wet rain forests.  In most other countries of its wide range it is found in tropical wet rainforests. 

A very aggressive aroid, the philodendron has three shiny lobes to each leaf on a vigorously growing vine.  If you grow this one out doors in a semi-tropical climate you should monitor it closely or you'll soon find it covering every plant and anything it can cover in your garden.  P. tripartitum is a very quick growing vine that is almost too easily grown.  You may find it interesting to grow along with and under the same conditions as Syngonium species.  This species spreads and climbs very quickly if kept wet.