All plants in the Exotic Rainforest collection are in alphabetical order by scientific name.  Common names are included beneath each scientific name when the species has one.  Many rare species have no common name.  Many species also have the same common name.  As a result, the use of common names is often deceptive.  However we attempt to include all known names.

There are still many plants in our collection that have not been photographed and described, we are frequently updating this list to add plant species. On some species we are awaiting blooms and/or inflorescence. When possible we include photos of the species' inflorescence. We strive for accuracy with the scientific names and information, however many botanists differ on information. Since we are collectors and not botanists we paste the name into one of the recognized botanical sources (see list on our links page located at the bottom of the homepage) to verify spelling.

The name of the botanist that described each plant to science (in accepted botanical abbreviation form) is included on most of our plants and is an indicator to us the spelling of the plant name has been verified.  Many species have synonyms (same plant, other accepted name) and we attempt to include those.  We use primarily the current botanically accepted name as the header on each page. 

 We seek the opinion of noted botanists to verify the information and species' photos on this site.    Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the species described.  We rarely rely on information found on the internet which is frequently unverified and often incorrect.  We rely on botanical texts and the information posted on TROPICOS (Missouri Botanical Garden), the International Plant Names Index (IPNI), ePic and other sources.  Plant descriptions are written in an attempt to be understood by plant collectors and growers.  In addition, we attempt to explain botanical terms used.  If you are seeking a plant other than those on this list check our LINKS page on the homepage for additional sources.

We sincerely hope you find this site useful and welcome suggestions.  If you are knowledgeable about exotic plants and believe you have found an error we'd love to hear from you at steve@exoticrainforest.com  Please understand we will research your suggestions and seek the opinion of one or more recognized botanists before making major changes.

Natural variation within Aroid and other plant species.
Every leaf does not have to look alike!
A scientific fact plant collectors often refuse to accept!
 

  An in the list indicates a rare tropical plant species that is not often found in nature,
rare in the rain forest, or difficult for collectors to obtain.

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

Alocasia Species
Sometimes known as "Elephant Ears"
 

Alocasia cucullata (Lour.) G. Don
Chinese Taro

Alococasia cuprea K. Koch

Alocasia gageana Engl. & K. Krause
 Known previously as Alocasia california

Alocasia longiloba Miq.
Synonym: Alocasia lowii Hook

Giant Elephant Ear

   Alocasia scalprum A. Hay
Alocasia Samar Lance

 

Anthurium Species

  Anthurium argyrostachyum Sodiro
Synonym:  Anthurium pandurifolium

    Anthurium balaoanum Engl.
Often confused with Anthurium guildingii

and Anthurium dolichostachyum

Sometimes known as Anthurium latifolium

  Anthurium bonplandii G.S. Bunting
Subspecies: Anthurium bonplandii subspecies cuatrecasii,
 Anthurium bonplandii subspecies guayanum, Anthurium bonplandii subspecies bonplandii

Anthurium clarinervium Matuda

    Anthurium Code 15

    Anthurium colonicum K. Krause

and Pothos cordata

Anthurium crystallinum Linden and André 
 

   Anthurium cubense Engl.

Synonym: Anthurium recusatum  

    Anthurium cupulispathum Croat & J. Rodr.

Anthurium eminens Schott
Synonym: Anthurium wittianum Engl.

Anthurium faustomirandae Pérez-Farrera & Croat

Incorrectly spelled Anthurium faustmirandae
Anthurium faustino-mirandae, Anthurium faustinamarino
and sometimes Anthurium faustinomiranda
on numerous websites
Faustino's Giant Anthurium

  Anthurium hookeri Kunth
Not the common Birds Nest Anthurium!

    Anthurium luxurians  T.B. Croat & R. Cirino

Anthurium 'Marie'

Hybrid Anthurium

 

  Anthurium marmoratum Sodiro 1903
Possibly an undescribed species

Or, a synonym of Anthurium angamarcanum Sodiro 1901
 

  Anthurium moonenii Croat & Gonçalves

Anthurium Obake 
a hybrid form of
Anthurium andreanum

    Anthurium pendulifolium N.E. Br.

  Anthurium plowmanii Croat
Common names:  Anthurium Ruffles, Anthurium 'Fruffles'

       Anthurium podophyllum
(Schltdl. & Cham.) Kunth

  Anthurium polyschistum
R.E. Schult. & Idrobo
   An anthurium that grows like a vine!

  Anthurium pseudospectabile Croat
Can be mistaken for Anthurium spectabile

Anthurium radicans K. Koch & A. Haage
Sometimes known as Anthurium malyi

Anthurium radicans x dresserii

   Anthurium regale Linden
The Regal Anthurium

   Anthurium rugulosum Sodiro
ENDANGERED

   Anthurium spectabile Schott
Formerly Anthurium longispatheum

  Anthurium truncicola England
Sometimes known to collectors as Anthurium Code 21

    Anthurium veitchii Mast.
The Queen Anthurium

     Anthurium vittariifolium Engl.

     Anthurium watermaliense  
Hort. ex L.H. Bailey & Nash
    The Black Anthurium

Begonia Species

Begonia hernandioides Merr.

Bromeliad Species and Hybrids

Bromeliad Hybrid
Neoregelia ‘Fireball'

Bromeliad
Guzmania Hybrids

Bromeliad Hybrids
Billbergia sp., Neoregelia sp., 
Nidularium sp, Vriesea sp.

Bromeliad
Vriesea Sp.

Brugmansia Species

Caladium sp.

Campyloneurum Species
Ferns

Campyloneurum phyllitidis (L.) C. Presl
Formerly Polypodium phyllitidis
Incorrectly Campyloneuron phyllitidis
Synonyms: Cyrtophlebium phyllitidis, Polypodium comosum, Polypodium conjugatum, Polypodium gladiatum,
Polypodium levigatum var. rigidum, Polypodium parallelinerve, Polypodium phyllitidis, Polypodium phyllitidis var. elongatum, Polypodium simplicifolium, Polypodium phyllitidis var. linneanum, Polypodium phyllitidis var. swartzianum
The genus is incorrectly spelled "Campyloneuron" in some texts
Bird Nest Fern

Canna Species and Hybrids

Canna indica L.
'musafolia'

Capiscum Species
Pepper

     Cercestis mirabilis (N.E. Br.) Bogner
    The African Embossed Plant
Sometimes known as Rhektophyllum mirabilis
(Often incorrectly spelled "Cercestes"  on the internet)

Chamaedorea Species
Palms

Chamaedorea microspadix Burret
Bamboo Palm, Hardy Bamboo Palm

Chlorophytum Species

Chlorophytum sp.
Spider Plant, Airplane Plant

Chrysalidocarpus Species
Palms

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens H.Wendl.
Areca Palm, Butterfly Palm

Cissus Species
Vines

Cissus amazonica Lindel

Cissus discolor Blume
Rex Begonia Vine, Painted Cissus

Colocasia Species

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott
Elephant Ear, ‘Black Magic', Taro, Wild Taro, Black Taro, Dalo, Dasheen, Potato of the Tropics

Costus Species

Costus spiralis (Jacq.) Roscoe
Scarlet Spiral Flag Ginger  

Cyathea Species
Tree Ferns

Cyathea cooperi (F. Muell.) Domin
Australian Fern Tree, Lacy Tree Fern,
Queensland Tree Fern

 

Drynaria Species
Ferns
    Drynaria rigidula Beddome
Also known as Polypodium rigidulum

Basket Fern

 

Dieffenbachia Species

Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott
Dumb Cane, Spotted Dumbcane, Leopard lily, Galatea 

Epipremnum Species

Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S. Bunting
Giant Golden Pothos "Ivy"
Devil's Ivy, Devil's Claw Ivy

Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl.
Cebu Blue
Not Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)
Synonyms: Epipremnum angustilobum, Epipremnum aureum, Epipremnum elegans, Epipremnum merrillii, Epipremnum mirabile, Monstera pinnata, Pothos aurea, Pothos pinnatus,
Rhaphidophora aurea, Rhaphidophora cunninghamii, Rhaphidophora laciniata, Rhaphidophora lovellae, Rhaphidophora pinnata, Scindapsus pinnatus and others

 Epiphyllum Species

Epiphyllum phyllanthus subspecies phyllanthus (L.) Haw.
Night Blooming Tropical Cactus

Etlingera Species
Ginger

Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Sm.
Torch Gingers

Ficus Species

Ficus altissima Blume "variegata"
Lofty Fig, Variegated Rubber Tree or Council Tree

Heliconia Species

Heliconia psittacorum hybrids
 The Lady Di, Golden Torch, Strawberries and Cream

Hemionitis Species
Specialized Ferns
 

Hemionitis arifolia (Burm. f.) T. Moore
Heart Fern, Tongue Fern 

Sometimes known as Asplenium arifolium
 

Hibiscus Species

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis,

Hibiscus brackenridgei,

 Hibiscus vitifolius and other species
Tropical Hibiscus hybrids derived from

the original tropical Hibiscus species
Queen of the Tropics,  Pua Aloalo, Chinese Hibiscus

 
Homalomena Species and Hybrids
Homalomena Hybrid
Cultivar 'Emerald Gem'
 

Huperzia Species
Club Mosses

Huperzia nummulariifolia (Blume) Chambers, Jermy & Crabbe
Basionym: Lycopodium nummularifolium Blume
Synonym:
Phlegmariurus nummularifolius
Non-scientific names found on the internet:
Huperzia nummularifolius (non-scientific)
Lycopodium nummularifolia (non-scientific) 
Common names: Tassel Fern, Club Moss, Fir Moss

Huperzia phlegmaria (L.) Rothm.
Synonyms: Lycopodium phlegmaria L,
Lepidotis phlegmaria (L.) P. Beauv.,
Phlegmariurus phlegmaria (L.) Holub,
Phlegmariurus phlegmaria (L.) U. Sen & T. Sen,
Urostachys phlegmaria (L.) Herter ex Nessel 
Common names: Lycopodium fern,
Coarse tassel fern, Tassel fern

  

 

 

 

 Impatiens Species

    Impatiens psittacina Hook. f.
Known on the Internet as the
 Rare Thailand Parrot Flower
Sometimes incorrectly spelled Impatiens psitticana,
 Impatiens psitticina, Impatiens psitticine

THIS EXTREMELY RARE PLANT
IS NOT IN THE COLLECTION

PRESENTED SOLELY FOR INFORMATION

Medinilla Species

Medinilla magnifica Lindl.

Megaskapasma Species

Megaskepasma erythrochlamys Lindau
Brazilian Cloak

Microsorum thailandicum T. Boonkerd & Noot
often listed as
Microsorium thailandicum
Blue Fern, Blue Strap Fern, Scarab Fern
The iridescent Blue Fern that grows on trees and rocks

Monstera Species
(Related to Philodendron)

Monstera adansonii Schott 
t Synonym: Monstera friedrichsthalii  Schott
Sometimes known incorrectly as Monstera obliqua
Swiss Cheese Plant

Musa ornata Roxb.
The Ornamental Flowering Banana

Nepenthes Species
Pitcher Plants

Nepenthes ventricosa Blanco
Carnivorous "Pitcher" Plant

Peperomia Species
Pepper

Peperomia caperata Yunck.
Peperomis griseoargentea Yunck.

Philodendron Species
Click here for information on growing
Philodendron species

          Philodendron 69686          
May not be a species
  Possibly known as P. 69686a but incorrectly as P. 696869
Incorrectly known by some as "Philodendron joepii"

Hybrid
 

  Philodendron angustilobum  Croat & Grayum

Sometimes incorrectly sold as
 "Philodendron Santa Leopoldina"

   Philodendron atabapoense  G.S. Bunting
Sometimes confused with Philodendron curvilobum

    Philodendron barrosoanum G.S. Bunting
    Cow Faced Philodendron

   Philodendron billietiae Croat
Sometimes confused with Philodendron grandifolium

Philodendron bipennifolium Schott
Horse Head Philodendron, Fiddle Leaf Philodendron, Panda

Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Endl.
Often sold as Philodendron selloum

Philodendron brandtianum K.Krause
often thought to be
Philodendron variifolium Schott

   Philodendron gigas Croat

Philodendron gloriosum André

Philodendron hastatum K. Koch & Sello
Often known Incorrectly as Philodendron glaucophyllum, 
Philodendron elongatum and  P. domesticum
The Silver Sword Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum  (Jacq.) Schott
Known as Philodendron scandens
 Philodendron micans,
Philodendron miduhoi and a large number
of other names
  Velvet Philodendron, Velvet Leaf Philodendron,
 Heart leaf Philodendron
 

    "Philodendron holtonianum"
Possibly an unidentified species
Not Philodendron tripartitum

 

Philodendron insigne Schott

Synonyms:
Philodendron calophyllum Brongn. ex Linden & André
Philodendron haematinum R.E. Schult.

Confused with Philodendron linnaei Kunth

  Philodendron 'joepii'
 

    Philodendron mayoi  E.G. Gonçalves
Sometimes spelled incorrectly as "Philodendron mayoii"

Philodendron mamei André

  Philodendron maximum  K. Krause

Sometimes known as Philodendron andreanum
Black Gold Philodendron,  Velour Philodendron

Philodendron melinonii Brongn. ex Regel

 

    Philodendron mexicanum Engl.
Also known as Philodendron latisagittium

  Philodendron moonenii Croat

  Philodendron nangaritense Croat

     Philodendron plowmanii Croat

Philodendron radiatum Schott

Sometimes sold as "Philodendron barryii"

 

  Philodendron renauxii Reitz
Paddle Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron rugosum Bogner & G.S. Bunting
Naugahyde philodendron, "Pig Skin" philodendron

Philodendron Santa Leopoldina
Philodendron Spiritus-Sancti G.S. Bunting
 Numerous Plants Claim the Common Name!

Philodendron sagittifolium
Synonyms:
 Philodendron tanyphyllum,
Philodendron sanguineum, Philodendron lancigerum,
Philodendron tuxtlanum, Philodendron lancigerum,
Philodendron daemonum, Philodendron ghiesbrechtii 
 Formerly incorrectly identified on this site as
Philodendron smithii
 

Philodendron scandens
a synonym of Philodndron hederaceum  (Jacq.) Schott
 

"Philodendron Silver Queen"
This plant is actually
Monstera pinnatipartita Schott

    Philodendron smithii Engl. (incorrect on this site)
This species is correctly Philodendron sagittifolium Liebm.
Formerly misidentified as Philodendron mandaianum

Philodendron spiritus-sancti G.S. Bunting
Known as Philodendron Santa Leopoldina
We do not have this extremely rare plant!

Philodendron squamiferum Poepp.& Endl.
 

        Philodendron stenolobum E.G. Gonçalves
    Sometimes known as Philodendron willamsii

   Philodendron variifolium Schott
Actually
Philodendron brandtianum K. Krause

Philodendron warszewiczii K. Koch & C.D. Bouché
 

    Philodendron williamsii Hook. f.

Philodendron "Wilsonii"
Correctly Philodendron subincisum

 Pimenta Species   

Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr.
Allspice

Platycerium Species
Staghorn Ferns

Platycerium alcicorne (Willemet) Desv.
Staghorn Fern

Rhaphidophora Species
Asian Monstereae

  Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Hook.f.
Incorrectly as Amydrium tetrasperma or Amydrium species 'Ginnie'
 

Ravenea Species
Palms

Ravenea rivularis Jum. & H. Perrier
Majesty Palm

Schlumbergera subgen. Zygocactus
Christmas Cactus