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Anthurium andraeanum pollinated spadix
anthurium andraeanum
40.3935, -3.70024
Field Notes
Description:
Anthurium andraeanum is one of approximately 1000 species in the large genus Anthurium.
In the wild, it grows as a veiny epiphyte with bright orange-red spathe in wet tropical rainforest. In cultivation, this species has been popularly hybridized for so many years, resulting in such varied sizes, colors and shapes.
It can reach 1 metre in height and width. It is an upright plant that produces dark green leaves that are oblong and heart-shaped, up to 30cm or more in length. Each leaf is held on a 30-60cm-long petiole. As the plant grows taller and yellowed leaves are removed, its stem become spindly and produces aerial roots for support.
A. andraeanum is well-known for its spectacular show of vibrantly colored spathes,mostly heart-shaped.
Each spathe bears a protruding fleshy and tail-like spadix that carry the insignificant cluster of true sessile flowers. Once pollinated, the spadix will produce berries which will contain the seeds that can be used for propagation.
Habitat:
The species has neotropical distribution; mostly in wet tropical mountain forest of Central America and South America, but some in semi-arid environments.
This one was observed at the Palacio de Cristal de la Arganzuela (Invernadero), Madrid
Notes:
A. andreanum contains toxic calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) that upon ingestion will cause painful irritation of the mouth and throat, resulting in blistering, dysphagia and hoarseness.
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