Aroids and other genera in the Collection
Take the Tour Now?
Orchids
The
Exotic Rainforest
Plants in
the Exotic Rainforest Collection
Images on this website are copyright protected. Contact us before attempting to reuse.
In depth information, how to grow
Philodendron
species, Click this Link
Within our collection we have many species of
Philodendron.
If you are seeking other photos,
click this link
Philodendron
bipinnatifidum
Schott ex Endl
Does climb trees!
Note:
Looking for
Philodendron xanadu?
click this link
http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron%20xanadu%20pc.html
Several search engines are directing
searches to this page if searching for
information on
Philodendron xanadu. Although both
species are members of Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma, P. xanadu is a
unique species and no longer considered a hybrid.
Philodendron
bipinnatifidum
Schott ex Endl
Often sold as Philodendron selloum which is now a synonym
Common names:
Split Leaf Philodendron, Tree Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron,
Selloum, Elephant Ear Philodendron, Cut Leaf Philodendron,
Philodendron selloum, Self heading Philodendron
Common names used in Brazil:
Banana-de-imbę, Banana-de-macaco, Banana-de-morcego, Banana-do-brejo
Banana-do-mato, Cipó-imbé, Imbę, Guaimbę
Often sold as Philodendron selloum which is now a synonym
Common names:
Split Leaf Philodendron, Tree Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron,
Selloum, Elephant Ear Philodendron, Cut Leaf Philodendron,
Philodendron selloum, Self heading Philodendron
Common names used in Brazil:
Banana-de-imbę, Banana-de-macaco, Banana-de-morcego, Banana-do-brejo
Banana-do-mato, Cipó-imbé, Imbę, Guaimbę
A tropical "tree-like" Philodendron species,
Philodendron
bipinnatifidum
will survive in less than ideal growing
conditions provided it is not subjected to periods of extended
freeze. In north central Florida and all of South Florida
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
can be found as a landscape plant in virtually every community but
almost everyone knows it by the name
Philodendron selloum
rather than its accepted scientific name.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
can be found as a landscape plant in virtually every community but
almost everyone knows it by the name
Philodendron selloum
rather than its accepted scientific name.
At one time this highly variable Philodendron species
was also known to science as Philodendron selloum but that name was later
determined to be synonymous with Philodendron bipinnatifidum.
As a result it is no longer accepted.
Philodendron selloum is now considered a synonym which is a name
later applied to an
already published species. When a plant has been previously
published scientifically the first name becomes the accepted name. Since
Philodendron bipinnatifidum was published in 1832 and precedes
Philodendron selloum (1852) the correct name for this species is
Philodendron bipinnatifidum (the basionym)
since the two are one and the same. A basionym is the
original name applied to the taxon as in "basio-"
from the Latin word "basis" which originally came from the Greek
term "bainein" meaning "step" combined
with "nym" from the Latin word "nomen" which
means "name". A basionym is the
first step in the naming process.
Found in Brazil,
Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, although quite a few websites claim Philodendron
bipinnatifidum does not climb according to one of the world's
best known aroid botanists their information is inaccurate.
In his scientific paper A Revision of Philodendron Subgenus
Meconostigma (Araceae) Dr. Simon Mayo describes the species as
being hemiepiphitic. A hemiepiphyte (hemi-EPI-fit) is a plant
that begins life in the ground and the climbs a supporting tree.
Again, in the scientific text The Genera of Araceae by by
Mayo, Bogner and P.C. Boyce when discussing the roots of climbing
aroids the text states,
"Roots in Araceae are
always
and dimorphic roots are often found in climbing
hcmiepiphytes, e.g. Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron
bipinnatifidum."
Adventitious roots
form from shoot tissues, not from another root while dimorphic indicates the roots grow in two distinct
forms. Dr. Mayo explains further later in this article.
(see photo right (above) taken in Brazil),
All Philodendron species are aroids and Philodendron
bipinnatifidum
is found within the larger plant
family known as Araceae
which includes all aroid species. An
aroid is a plant that reproduces through the production of an
inflorescence and the
major parts of that inflorescence are known as a spathe and spadix.
Many
growers believe the spathe is a "flower"
but that belief is inaccurate since the
spathe is nothing more than a
modified leaf whose purpose
is to protect the spadix at its center. If you
explore the inflorescence with a strong magnifying glass when it
first reaches female anthesis (sexual reproduction) and is beginning to open
you
will find very tiny flowers (male, sterile male, and female) on the spadix
at the spathe's center.
These will not open all at once and open progressively beginning
with the female flowers along with the sterile male flowers followed
a day or two later by the male flowers.
modified leaf whose purpose
is to protect the spadix at its center. If you
explore the inflorescence with a strong magnifying glass when it
first reaches female anthesis (sexual reproduction) and is beginning to open
you
will find very tiny flowers (male, sterile male, and female) on the spadix
at the spathe's center.
These will not open all at once and open progressively beginning
with the female flowers along with the sterile male flowers followed
a day or two later by the male flowers.
The female flowers are securely hidden inside the floral chamber at
the lower extreme of the spadix and are the first to open. If
the female flowers are pollinated with the pollen brought by an
appropriate insect from the genus Cyclocephala (the Scarab
beetles) from another specimen of Philodendron
bipinnatifidum
that
currently has the male flowers at male anthesis and is producing pollen the spadix
will likely produce berries containing seeds. In Philodendron species pollination is almost
always done by one of the Cyclocephala beetle species of which there
are approximately 900 species,
For additional
information on how any aroid reproduces read
Natural Pollination in Aroids
Both the names Philodendron
bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum were accepted
scientifically until 1990 when Philodendron expert aroid botanist Simon Mayo of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England documented both "species" were actually a
single species with multiple growth forms. The two had been differentiated previously
since
they were only slightly different. Differences in
growth form (leaf shape) often causes confusion, especially among
non-scientists. Think of the dilemma this way: there are many "growth
forms" of human beings but only one species. Just because an
individual has a larger body, smaller head, very thin legs, or is of
a different race or skin color does not mean that person is a different
"species"! Some plant growers have a difficult time accepting
such a concept
when it comes to plants.
For reasons not always understood plant lovers expect any plant with
a slightly different leaf shape must also be a different species and
that is simply incorrect. Some species have been given close
to 20 different scientific names simply as a result of leaf variations,
but all are the same
species. As botanists sort through all the extra names many
described "species" eventually become only a synonym
(same species, other name) for a plant which can be proven to
be the
basionym or base species. The final determination is
concluded due to the structure of the spathe and spadix rather
than a leaf shape determining the species. The final
scientific determination is made by a careful dissection and
comparison of the sexual characteristics found within the
inflorescence considered along with the structure of the stem,
petiole, cataphylls, veins and other principal characteristics.
When all the characteristics are compared the taxonomist goes back
to the very first occurrence of the species being published to
science. Quite simply, the first name wins and all others
which attempt to describe the same species become synonyms.
The scientific name Philodendron bipinnatifidum was published
in 1832 and the name Philodendron selloum was not published
until 1852. Regrettably, there is a
great deal of both incorrect and non-scientific information on the internet regarding
the species
Philodendron bipinnatifidum. A botanist simply does not "change" a name
instead they
follow the rules of botany and track the species back to the
original published name.
Within
aroid species every leaf does not need to look alike.
To a scientist those differences are known as natural variation. Just
because the leaves in the photo above do not exactly match the
photos on other websites does not mean they are not this species.
be the
basionym or base species. The final determination is
concluded due to the structure of the spathe and spadix rather
than a leaf shape determining the species. The final
scientific determination is made by a careful dissection and
comparison of the sexual characteristics found within the
inflorescence considered along with the structure of the stem,
petiole, cataphylls, veins and other principal characteristics.
When all the characteristics are compared the taxonomist goes back
to the very first occurrence of the species being published to
science. Quite simply, the first name wins and all others
which attempt to describe the same species become synonyms.
The scientific name Philodendron bipinnatifidum was published
in 1832 and the name Philodendron selloum was not published
until 1852. Regrettably, there is a
great deal of both incorrect and non-scientific information on the internet regarding
the species
Philodendron bipinnatifidum. A botanist simply does not "change" a name
instead they
follow the rules of botany and track the species back to the
original published name. Within
aroid species every leaf does not need to look alike.
To a scientist those differences are known as natural variation. Just
because the leaves in the photo above do not exactly match the
photos on other websites does not mean they are not this species.
There is a specimen in the
collection of Robert Chumley in central Florida that is known as a
"Miniature Selloum" that produces leaves that at least appear to be
smaller as a result of having their leaf margins re-curved. As
of this writing all comparisons indicate it is simply a natural
variation of Philodendron bipinnatifidum despite the fact the
plant can tolerate substantially colder temperatures since it was
collected in southern Uruguay. If you read this link, you will have a better understanding of variation
in non-technical language.
Natural variation in aroids and other plant
species
Many
growers have been told P.
bipinnatifidum as well as other tree Philodendron from
the subgenus Meconostigma species do not
climb trees but that is not scientifically accurate.
Meconostigma species are arborescent (tree like) but they cannot
perpetually stand on their own. In one
internet search I found more than one dozen sites claiming
Philodendron bipinnatifidum will not climb including
HerselfsHoustonGarden and many
others such as the State of Florida's
Floridata
At least one Texas garden site included this quote on their site which I suspect they chose to use as a result of one of these articles, "This is one of the few philodendrons that are not climbers. Instead it grows as a woody shrub. It has huge
leaves and one stem that does
not
branch.
The branch falls over when the top gets too heavy.
At least one Texas garden site included this quote on their site which I suspect they chose to use as a result of one of these articles, "This is one of the few philodendrons that are not climbers. Instead it grows as a woody shrub. It has huge
leaves and one stem that does
not
branch.
The branch falls over when the top gets too heavy.
Despite the belief
Meconostigma don't climb, they do in fact climb to 30 meters or
higher (100 plus feet) as can be seen in the photos included on this
page.
Their conclusion the plant will fall over when it grows too tall is
however entirely correct if the plant does not have a tree to
provide support.
I brought these errors to the attention of aroid botanist Dr. Simon Mayo of the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in London who is the leading authority on the Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma. Simon is the author of A Revision of Philodendron Subgenus Meconostigma (Araceae) and his paper is considered the most authoritative in the field. Simon responded, "Yes Philodendron bipinnatifidum certainly does climb but from what I've seen the way it does it is different from Subgenus Philodendron and subgenus Pteromischum species which emit relatively fine anchor roots at or near the nodes. In P. bipinnatifidum and other members of Subgenus Meconostigma the anchor roots are pretty thick and can wrap themselves around small tree stems like ropes. It is almost as if the plant hauls itself into the canopy. I've seen plants suspended between neighboring small trees by these roots. They do have a very adaptable kind of growth habit, which I suppose goes along with their natural ecology, preferring rather higher light intensity situations than "normal" Philodendrons." As a result, any information on garden websites claiming Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma species do not climb does not match the observations of more than a few qualified botanists.
I brought these errors to the attention of aroid botanist Dr. Simon Mayo of the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in London who is the leading authority on the Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma. Simon is the author of A Revision of Philodendron Subgenus Meconostigma (Araceae) and his paper is considered the most authoritative in the field. Simon responded, "Yes Philodendron bipinnatifidum certainly does climb but from what I've seen the way it does it is different from Subgenus Philodendron and subgenus Pteromischum species which emit relatively fine anchor roots at or near the nodes. In P. bipinnatifidum and other members of Subgenus Meconostigma the anchor roots are pretty thick and can wrap themselves around small tree stems like ropes. It is almost as if the plant hauls itself into the canopy. I've seen plants suspended between neighboring small trees by these roots. They do have a very adaptable kind of growth habit, which I suppose goes along with their natural ecology, preferring rather higher light intensity situations than "normal" Philodendrons." As a result, any information on garden websites claiming Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma species do not climb does not match the observations of more than a few qualified botanists.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
is a Meconostigma. The majority of the species within the
Philodendron subgenus originate in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
and Bolivia. Meconostigma species are members of a
group known as being arborescent (tree-like) due to their apparent
"trunk". As a
result collectors often call Meconostigma species "tree Philodendron".
The "tree trunk" portion of the species is the stem of the
species. Although
many growers call the
support for a single leaf the "stem" the
structure that supports any leaf is correctly known as the petiole. This
link explains the difference in a stem and a petiole.
Members of subgenus Meconostigma are perfectly capable of supporting themselves to massive heights, sometimes 7 meters (almost 20 feet) or more. In time, they actually produce a "tree-like" base as can be seen in my photo to the right but they are also capable of climbing trees or growing as hemiepiphytic species attached to a tree limb with their roots extending up to 30 meters (close to 100 feet) to the soil below. The photos to the left and right (below) taken by a Flickr photographer that prefers to be known as Global Nomad 1 (used with permission) included the following information, "Philodendron sp. with long roots reaching for the soil 30 m below. The Atlantic Forest of tropical South America is one of the most biologically diverse forests but less than 10 percent of the original forest remains due to extensive clearing for agriculture and urbanization. If protected and encouraged to regenerate, the forest could come back in several areas as shown in this photo of a 70 year old secondary forest that regenerated on a previously cleared and degraded patch of land in Sao Paulo city." http://www.flickr.com/photos/global_nomad1/
I have personally observed countless specimens in South Florida climbing tall trees reaching great heights. Growers in the Homestead area of South Florida often have enormous specimens climbing in their yards. As any tree may eventually fall from its own weight a Meconostigma may also fall. But more often they simply grow at an angle with their roots still keeping them firmly upright. Even the State of Florida website FLORIDATA says, "Philodendron bipinnatifidum, which begins life as vines and then transform into epiphytes". An epiphyte (ep-a-FIT) is simply a plant that grows attached to another plant while a hemiepiphyte (hem-a-EPA-fit) is a plant that may begin life in soil and climb a host tree or begin life as a seed placed on the branch of a tree and extend its roots down to the soil.
support for a single leaf the "stem" the
structure that supports any leaf is correctly known as the petiole. This
link explains the difference in a stem and a petiole.Members of subgenus Meconostigma are perfectly capable of supporting themselves to massive heights, sometimes 7 meters (almost 20 feet) or more. In time, they actually produce a "tree-like" base as can be seen in my photo to the right but they are also capable of climbing trees or growing as hemiepiphytic species attached to a tree limb with their roots extending up to 30 meters (close to 100 feet) to the soil below. The photos to the left and right (below) taken by a Flickr photographer that prefers to be known as Global Nomad 1 (used with permission) included the following information, "Philodendron sp. with long roots reaching for the soil 30 m below. The Atlantic Forest of tropical South America is one of the most biologically diverse forests but less than 10 percent of the original forest remains due to extensive clearing for agriculture and urbanization. If protected and encouraged to regenerate, the forest could come back in several areas as shown in this photo of a 70 year old secondary forest that regenerated on a previously cleared and degraded patch of land in Sao Paulo city." http://www.flickr.com/photos/global_nomad1/
I have personally observed countless specimens in South Florida climbing tall trees reaching great heights. Growers in the Homestead area of South Florida often have enormous specimens climbing in their yards. As any tree may eventually fall from its own weight a Meconostigma may also fall. But more often they simply grow at an angle with their roots still keeping them firmly upright. Even the State of Florida website FLORIDATA says, "Philodendron bipinnatifidum, which begins life as vines and then transform into epiphytes". An epiphyte (ep-a-FIT) is simply a plant that grows attached to another plant while a hemiepiphyte (hem-a-EPA-fit) is a plant that may begin life in soil and climb a host tree or begin life as a seed placed on the branch of a tree and extend its roots down to the soil.
Since more than individuals appear to believe Meconostigma species don't climb I also asked aroid experts Julius Boos and Joep Moonen to comment. Joep lives and works in the rain forest of French Guiana.
Julius commented, "Concerning some of the so-called ground-growing species such as P. bipinnatifidum and P. stenolobum, these will grow their stems/rhizomes vertically for a while, but as they age and fall over they grow horizontally along the ground If they encounter a palm or tree trunk they will eagerly grasp on to the support and climb upwards. The height (and health/survival) of the supporting palm or tree would be the only limitations as to how high they eventually would grow! I have seen P. bipinnatifidum clasping a tall Queen Palm in Wellington, the Philodendron had its huge ''head'' (8' X 8'?) about 20 feet up the palm!"
Joep shared
this information explaining how Meconostigma grow in the forest,
"There may still be
some
confusion how Meconostigma grow in nature. Terrestrial species do
indeed grow in the ground. The species I'm most familiar with, P.
solimoesense and P. goeldii, grow high in the canopy and are true epiphytes.
The fruit or seed is deposited high on a branch and from there the plant
develop. Very old plants fall from their erect position and curl around the
tree branch while the roots, (with a typically strong odor), go straight
down to the humus layer 40 meters (120 feet) down. If the host tree
falls the Philodendron carry on at the bottom since there is an open spot
with enough light and in that how they grow along roads in the jungle.
But they started in the canopy so it is logical the only P. Marijke I saw in
the wild was growing on a tree."
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 common Philodendron sp. (known universally
as
Philodendron selloum) is used as
a landscape plant through the southern half of Florida. You
can often it at discount stores. Even though
Philodendron
bipinnatifidum
is a native of the rain
forests of Southern Brazil to Paraguay, is also a great patio plant.
A rain forest inhabitant, P. bipinnatifidum won't tolerate
anything more than a very short freeze, and even then the leaves
will suffer. However, it can be quite variable.
Your specimen may not look exactly like the specimen above.
Since the species is considered a "self header" it can support
itself and does not require a tree to climb for support.
Botanical texts often describe the species as a sun
lover. Scientists believe the reason the species climbs in the
rain forest is an attempt to get closer to the sun! I have seen
and grown many plants in direct sunlight in a
very healthy condition. The majority of South Florida growers grow
them in sun flooded fields or landscaped yards. Admittedly, for best growth it
may do better in bright filtered light but the
species does not enjoy deep shade.
Philodendron
bipinnatifidum is drought resistant but does
best when kept evenly moist in well drained soil. P. bipinnatifidum grows
well in
fertile, moist, well drained, soil, however it will grow in just about
any soil! The native soil around Miami is poor and
is composed largely of beach
sand with very little soil added. We once had over 50 of these large
plants in two beds in front of our home near the ocean. They reached
a height of well over 2 meters) 7 feet and were useful to totally hide our car
when it was parked in the circular drive.
An interesting additional species of
the Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma is Philodendron
xanadu. Many websites claim P. xanadu is a hybrid cultivar
or subspecies of P. bipinnatifidum but that information is
scientifically incorrect. Two
of the three botanical scientists who described it to science are
personal friends. Philodendron xanadu does not grow as a native species in
Australia! You
can read about Philodendron xanadu here:
PhilodendronXanadu
PhilodendronXanadu
Specimens may be available
from Natural Selections Exotics
or
Brian's Botanicals http://www.briansbotanicals.net/
or
Brian's Botanicals http://www.briansbotanicals.net/
Want to learn more
about aroids?
Join the International Aroid Society: http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Join%20IAS.html
Join the International Aroid Society: http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Join%20IAS.html