Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as golden pothos, is a popular evergreen vine from French Polynesia. …
Blunt-leaved Pothos (Epipremnum obtusum)
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Epipremnum obtusum: A Rare Climber of New Guinea
Scaling the giant trunks of New Guinea's dense rainforests, this evergreen climber thrives in one of the most biodiverse humid biomes on Earth. As it reaches towards the forest canopy, Epipremnum obtusum utilizes its aerial root system to anchor itself firmly onto host trees.
This remarkable species was first described scientifically in 1916 by the renowned German botanists Adolf Engler and Kurt Krause. Its specific epithet, obtusum, highlights the characteristic blunt shape of its tropical foliage.
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 obtusum (Blunt-leaved Pothos)
Morphology
Epipremnum obtusum is a robust, large-sized evergreen climber capable of reaching heights of up to 20 meters as it ascends host trees. Its growth habit is characterized by thick, woody stems that support its heavy foliage in the rainforest canopy.
The reproductive and foliage features include the following structures:
- Foliage: The leaves are distinctively shaped, with the specific epithet obtusum referring to their characteristic blunt or rounded apex.
- Inflorescence: The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers featuring a bright yellow center, which are arranged in a loose, one-sided spadix-like spike.
- Seeds and Seedlings: The mature fruits yield small, round, black seeds. Emerging seedlings are tiny and green, bearing two opposite leaves during their initial developmental stage.
Interesting facts
- Etymological Origins: The generic name Epipremnum combines the Greek words epi (upon) and premnon (trunk), perfectly describing the climbing, epiphytic nature of these plants.
- Botanical Description History: This species was officially introduced to the botanical community in 1916 by Adolf Engler and Kurt Krause in the publication Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie.
- Specific Epithet: The species name obtusum is derived from Latin, meaning "blunt" or "dull," referencing the unique shape of its tropical foliage.
- Geographic Restriction: Epipremnum obtusum is an endemic species to the island of New Guinea, meaning it is not found naturally anywhere else on Earth.
Geography of distribution
- Papua New Guinea
Sources
Смотрите также
Dragon Tail Pothos
Epipremnum pinnatum
Epipremnum pinnatum, commonly known as the dragon-tail plant, is a versatile evergreen climber famous for …
Giant Pothos
Epipremnum giganteum
A giant climbing epiphyte known for its massive leathery leaves and prominent venation, native to …
Dahl's Pothos
Epipremnum dahlii
Epipremnum dahlii is a rare tropical climbing liana in the Araceae family, native to the …