Thaumatophyllum adamantinum

Thaumatophyllum adamantinum is a plant in the genus Thaumatophyllum, in the family Araceae. It is native to South America, namely to Southeast Brazil,[1] but is also cultivated as a houseplant in cooler climates.[citation needed]

Thaumatophyllum adamantinum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Thaumatophyllum
Species:
T. adamantinum
Binomial name
Thaumatophyllum adamantinum
(Mart. ex Schott) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo

Previously Thaumatophyllum adamantinum was called Philodendron adamantinum,[2] until DNA sequencing determined it to belong to a different genus.[3]

Growth

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Thaumatophyllum adamantinumis a shrub that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall, and its adventitious roots can spread 33 feet (10 m) in all directions.[4]

It grows in the seasonally dry tropical biome.[5]

The stems grow both decumbent or erect and are both green and glossy. The leaves are glossy green, oval in shape, and have 3-5 laterally divided lobes. Leaves are widest as the midpoint, shorter both at the apex and at the base. While green, some leaves may be slightly pinkish near the petiole. Leaves are 6.6 inches (170 mm) to 12 inches (300 mm) in width.[4]

Reproduction

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Thaumatophyllum adamantinum reproduces sexually through flowers and stamens. Flowers are inflorescent with a 2–5 cm peduncle, 6.4-11.4 cm single leaf surrounding the stamen (called a spathe), and a 5.5 cm-12.5 cm spadix. The spathe is green with a creamy white inner surface. Flowers have 5 staminodes and cylindrical petals. Berries are oblong and generate 2.5mm long oblong seeds containing oily droplets. [citation needed]

Thaumatophyllum adamantinum can be propagated by taking cuttings. With a sterilized sharp knife, cut off a section with multiple aerial roots and leaves at a sharp angle. The cutting can then be rooted in water, soil, or in sphagnum moss.[6]

Toxicology

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Like their relative Philodendron, Thaumatophyllum are poisonous to vertebrates, but vary in their toxicity levels. They contain calcium oxalate crystals in raphide bundles, which are poisonous and irritating. The sap may cause skin irritation.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Sakur., Calazans & Mayo. "Philodendron adamantinum". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  2. ^ taxonomy. "Taxonomy browser (Thaumatophyllum adamantinum)". www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  3. ^ Shmahalo, Olena (September 4, 2018). "DNA Analysis Reveals a Genus of Plants Hiding in Plain Sight". Quanta Magazine.
  4. ^ a b "Philodendron adamantinum [Mart. ex Schott ]". cate-araceae.myspecies.info. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  5. ^ "Thaumatophyllum adamantinum (Mart. ex Schott) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  6. ^ "how to propagate a split-leaf philodendron: easy guide". 2021-11-26. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
  7. ^ "Thaumatophyllum adamantinum". Garden.org. National Gardening Association. Retrieved 2023-11-16.