Philodendron megalophyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anthurium stahelii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Alismatales and the family Araceae, it is classified under the genus Philodendron. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined as Philodendron megalophyllum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several distinct regions within the tropical Americas. In the Caribbean, its presence is specifically noted in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Moving to the mainland, it can be found throughout various parts of Northern South America. Its range extends across the territories of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the diverse landscapes of Venezuela.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Philodendron megalophyllum is defined by its presence within specific forest ecosystems and a restricted altitudinal niche. This species thrives within diverse Amazonian forest structures, specifically inhabiting Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, and Floresta de Várzea. Its distribution is confined to a narrow elevational range, occurring between a minimum of 350 m AMSL and a maximum of 400 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

350 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme, Floresta de Várzea

Morphology

The morphology of Philodendron megalophyllum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb. It functions as a hemiepiphyte, exhibiting an obligatory epiphytic lifestyle during certain stages of its development, though it maintains a terrestrial presence. The plant acts as a self-supporting climber, possessing the structural capacity to ascend without being an obligatory vine or liana. In terms of its ecological niche and habitat, it exhibits a versatile range of moisture tolerances, transitioning between aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, functioning without any parasitic relationship to its host.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

hemiepiphyte

Epiphyte :

obligatory

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Philodendron megalophyllum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Condensed Tannins, Hydrolyzable Tannins.

Condensed Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hydrolyzable Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Philodendron megalophyllum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include snakebites.

Snakebites

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Philodendron megalophyllum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extracts.

Aqueous extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology