Philodendron megalophyllum Schott
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Authority
Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.
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Family
Araceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Species Description - Primary hemiepiphytic vines frequently occurring in ant nests, rarely terrestrial. Roots smooth, gray-green, 1-3 per node, extending to ground. Stems 1.5-3 cm diam., moderately short, usually twisted into spirals, the internodes brownish, short; cataphylls D-shaped in transverse section to sharply 1-ribbed or sharply 2-ribbed, deciduous. Leaves: petiole terete at middle, obtusely flattened toward apex, moderately spongy, about as long as blade, conspicuously swollen and fleshy when young; blade cordate-sagittate, 25-50 X to 30 cm, conspicuously cordate at base, semiglossy and slightly bicolorous; primary lateral veins 5 or 6 per side, the posterior rib 3-6 cm long, naked 1-3 cm along sinus. Inflorescences solitary or to 5 or 6 per axil, the peduncle 12-23 cm long; spathe 8.5-15 cm long, green but violet-purple expecially inside on tube, the pistillate portion of spadix 1/2 length of entire spadix.
Distribution and Ecology - Fls and fr (apparently year round); abundant in vicinity of Saul, most frequently high in canopy, less frequently lower down in open areas; distinguished by its smooth, long-dangling roots.