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Epipremnum aureum
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Moluccan Pothos (Epipremnum moluccanum)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Epipremnum moluccanum: The Rare Liana of the Maluku Islands
Native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, Epipremnum moluccanum climbs high into the canopy of the humid tropical biome. The German botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described this species in 1863. It remains a lesser-known member of the Araceae family, primarily studied from wild specimens in its native range.
This climber relies on a specialized root system to ascend forest trees. It is highly adapted to the humid, warm understory conditions of the Moluccan archipelago.
Taxonomy
- ∟ царство Plantae
- ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
- ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
- ∟ Angiosperms
- ∟ monocots
- ∟ order Alismatales (Water plantain order)
- ∟ family Araceae (Arum family)
- ∟ subfamily Monsteroideae
- ∟ genus Epipremnum (Pothos)
- ∟ species Epipremnum moluccanum (Moluccan Pothos)
Morphology
This large climber is distinguished by several unique vegetative and reproductive features. The mature stem reaches a diameter of approximately 7 mm, featuring a minutely rough (scabrid) epidermis. Internodes are about 3.5 cm long and are separated by prominent leaf scars with a narrow collar of sheath tissue.
Detailed morphological characteristics include:
- Petioles: Measuring 18 to 21 cm in length and 7 to 10 mm in thickness, they are canaliculate, smooth, and dry to a pale brown color.
- Leaves: The leaf blade is asymmetric, elliptic, and measures 21.5 to 24 cm in length by 10.2 to 10.5 cm in width, with an acute apex.
- Inflorescence: A solitary spadix supported by a slightly rough peduncle measuring 4.3 to 5 cm. The spathe is canoe-shaped and pale yellow on both sides, enclosing a cylindrical spadix.
- Flowers: Small, bisexual flowers about 2 to 2.5 mm in diameter, containing four stamens with flattened filaments.
- Fruit: Produces green berries with a slightly weak stylar region.
Interesting facts
The species name moluccanum directly references its origin in the Maluku Islands, which were historically known to European traders as the Spice Islands. It is also known by the heterotypic synonym Dracontium moluccanum.
Its aerial roots can grow extremely long, either hanging freely in the air or anchoring themselves directly into the damp tropical soil to absorb nutrients.
Geography of distribution
- Indonesia
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO): Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- World Flora Online (WFO): Epipremnum moluccanum Schott
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Species Details
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