Monstera acuminata
Monstera acuminata K.Koch
Monstera acuminata is a species in the Araceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It is a robust scandent epiphyte that can grow up to 30 m tall. The plant is commonly known as the shingle plant and is the northernmost species of the genus Monstera, extending as far north as San Luis Potosí in Mexico.
Description
Monstera acuminata is a robust scandent epiphyte with a stem that can reach up to 30 m in length. Juvenile plants have elliptic stems and asymmetric leaves tightly appressed to the substrate, while adult stems are smooth or papillose with axillary buds in a depression along the internode. The petiole is shorter than the lamina and has persistent sheath wings. The lamina is coriaceous, ovate, and 35–65 cm long, with prominent primary lateral veins. The peduncle is stout and 1.5–2.5 cm thick, bearing a greenish-white spathe and a cream to yellow spadix. This species is often found growing on host trees, reaching flowering height above 15 m. It is widespread from Mexico to Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Distribution
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona · El Parque Nacional Natural Tatamá · Belize · Guatemala · Honduras · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Southeast · Mexico Southwest · Nicaragua
Synonyms
Monstera belizensisMonstera chiapensisMonstera dimidiataMonstera grandifoliaMonstera karwinskyiMonstera viridispatha