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Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Endl., Gen. Pl. 1(3): 237 1837. (Syn: Arum pinnatifidum Vell. [Illegitimate]; Philodendron pygmaeum Chodat & Vischer; Philodendron selloum K.Koch; Sphincterostigma bipinnatifidum Schott [Invalid]);
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Philodendron bipinnatifidum (common names: lacy tree philodendron, selloum) is a plant that belongs to the family Araceae and subgenus Meconostigma, one of three subgenera within the genus Philodendron. The commonly used name Philodendron selloum is a synonym (Mayo 1991). This plant is native to South America, namely to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay but is also cultivated as a landscape plant in the gulf coast and east coast of the United States, such as in Florida. This plant is also cultivated as a landscape plant in tropical Asian countries such as the Philippines. Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a tropical plant that is usually grown in full sun, but can tolerate and adapt to deep shade. It grows best in rich, moisture-retentive soil that can be slightly alkaline. However, it cannot tolerate high salt concentration in soil. It is capable of supporting itself at massive heights by producing tree-like bases. However, it will exhibit epiphytic characteristics if given the opportunity to attach itself to a nearby supporting tree and climb upon it. The trunk of this plant can send down many strong aerial roots that not only give support to the overall plant mass, but also serve to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. This plant is greatly known for its ease in covering a land mass, and typically spread out its tree-like trunk from anywhere between eight to ten feet. Alternatively, if grown in cooler climates with at least some freezing winter weather, its entire aboveground structures will die back completely at a hard frost and then sprout back from the roots the following spring. Leaves can grow up to 1.5 meters long. This plant also contains a spadix and spathe that are usually white or inflorescent.
The leaves are simple, large, deeply lobed, and are usually drooping. These can grow up to 1.5 long, and are attached to long, smooth petioles. They are a deep green color, and since these plants are grown in the tropics, there is no apparent color change that correlates with the fall season. The trunk of P. bipinnatifidum is relatively thick and woody with characteristic “eye-drop” leaf scars. Approximately 15–20 years is required for P. bipinnatifidum to grow to an appropriate size and produce flowers in an indoor environment where space is limited. The small, petalless flowers are on a spadix that is enclosed within a spathe.
The reproductive organ consists of a spadix grown at the center of a reproductive layer called the spathe. The spathe is sometimes mistaken to be a flower, but it is really a modified leaf that serves to protect the spadix. The spadix is divided into three sections: fertile male flowers at the tip, sterile male flowers at the center, and fertile female flowers toward the end of the flower chamber. The sterile male flowers in the midsection serve to prevent self-fertilization and to produce heat. Pollination is done by a Cyclocephala beetle species. The sterile male flowers produce and maintain a constant temperature that is 30°C above that of the environment during the two days the entire flower structure is open. Interestingly, P. bipinnatifidum metabolizes fat, instead of carbohydrate, to fuel this process. This feature indicates a possible evolutionary convergence where this plant species and animal species derived similar mechanisms to utilize fat reserves for energy consumption. The main reason for raising and maintaining the flower’s temperature is for volatilizing and dispersing insect attracting odors. The constant high heat production increases the distance that the scent can be picked up by the beetle, and increases the probability of pollination. Additionally, the heat creates a hospitable climate that helps to activate the beetle once it is inside the flower. This will also increase the probability of pollination.
Species within the genus Philodendron are poisonous to vertebrates, but vary in their toxicity levels. They contain calcium oxalate crystals in raphid bundles, which are poisonous and irritating. P. bipinnatifidum sap may cause skin irritation. Chewing and/or ingesting parts of the plant may result in severe swelling and compromised respiratory functions.
  Araceae Fortnight 1 Aug to 15 Aug 2014 : Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Endl : SK-27 : 1 post by 1 author. Attachments (2).
This was recorded on 23/2/2009, in a burning-ghat inside a village in Hooghly.
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight SN 20 : 1 post by 1 author. Attachments (1).
Phydendron sellosum ornamental climber I hope you meant to say Philodendron sellosum.. Yes sir, you are right
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight: August 1 to 14, 2014 : Araceae For ID : Mumbai : 120814 : AK-11 : 9 posts by 3 authors. Attachments (4).
In a garden, cultivated garden plant seen in Feb,2014. Id please. I think Rhaphidophora decursiva Leaves look different in this link.
May be you are right. Then mine which resembles yours also needs to be reassessed.
Can you kindly have a look at this link….
May be you are right Yes …, it is Philodendron sellum, syn. P. bipinnatifidium.
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight: Araceae-Rhaphidophora decursiva for validation from Uttarakhand-GSAUG38 : 2 posts by 2 authors. Attachments (2).
Rhaphidophora decursiva for validation photographed from near Kothdwar, Uttarakhand a cultivated plant. Your identification is Validated Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight: August 1 to 14, 2014 : Araceae : Philodendron bipinnatifidum : For Validation : Kenya : 300814 : AK-120 : 1 post by 1 author. Attachments (1).
Cultivated, garden plant seen in Nairobi, Kenya. Common name Tree Philodendron, Cut-leaf Philodendron.
Kindly validate.
  Arecaceae, Araceae, Zingiberaceae Fortnight 1-14 Aug 2014: Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Araceae) from Uttarakhand_DSR_35 : 5 posts by 4 authors. Attachments (2).This aroid Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a common ornamental plant in Pantnagar. I hope the ID is correct, please validate or otherwise. nice. is this the plnt that creeps along tall building walls and keeps going up? can it grow tall? I have not seen it creeping over walls here in Pantnagar Thank you very much Sir, for beautiful photographs of Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Philodendron selloum).
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Month: Araceae- Philodendron bipinnatifidum from Panipat:: NS Aug 28 : 5 posts by 3 authors. Attachments (3).
This is again a commonly planted ornamental… Yes Sir, i think so, Haines mentioned it in his book, ‘Botany of Bihar and Orissa’. For me the ID is correct.
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight :: Araceae :: Philodendron bipinnatifidum :: Hiranandani Powai, Heritage Gardens :: ARKAUG-65 : 4 posts by 2 authors. Attachments (2).
Attached are pictures of Philodendron bipinnatifidum captured at Hiranandani Powai, Heritage Gardens in January 2013.
Requested to please validate the ID. For me the ID is correct. Thank you … for validating….. This was lying unid’ed with me for quite some time, but I guessed the ID based on a similar upload this month itself..
Requesting ID of this climber – Mumbai :28072013 : ARK-01 : January 2013 : Attachments (2). 3 posts by 2 authors.
Requesting to please ID this climber captured in a cultivated garden in Mumbai in January 2013. Philodendron species. Thanks … for the genus level ID.. Philodendron bipinnatifidum :: Virajpet, Coorg :: 12 NOV 19 : 6 posts by 3 authors. 5 images.
… at a resort in Virajpet, Coorg Date: November 12, 2019 … Altitude: about 910 m (3000 ft) asl
Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Endl. i like the leaf scar geometry. very memorable Thanks … I liked getting the spadix-spathe in my collection. i did not mention it because in my grandparents home one spadix developed at the end of each branch as it grew up the palms or trees. i had one just opposite my bedroom in that old house, it was common, every few years there was a new one.
Now as i write this.
i remember some of the gardeners saying that when mature they were edible. i have not tried it though |
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