Notes on the Distribution, Ecology and Cultivation of the Anthurium dressleri Croat Complex (Araceae)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2010
Authors:Vannini, J. P.
Journal:Aroideana; Journal of the International Aroid Society
Volume:33
Start Page:168
Pagination:177
Keywords:Anthurium dressleri, Anthurium kunayalense, Araceae., cultivation, ecology, hybridization, Panama
Abstract:

Anthurium dressleri Croat and A. kunayalense Croat & Vannini are showy, terrestrial, tropical broadleaf evergreen forest ("rainforest") -dependent aroid species currently known to have a limited distribution on Panama's central Caribbean versant and the northern Colombian Choco. While primarily restricted to very shaded sites located in primary or lightly-disturbed lowland ecosystems in this region, they also range into premontane forests to near 1,000 m elevation and, in some rare cases, also persist in somewhat degraded forests. Prized by many tropical ornamental plant collectors, in the past A. dressleri Croat has nonetheless proven to be challenging to successfully cultivate long-term. Recent accessions have generated relatively large numbers of first and second generation artificially-propagated plants and successfully reintroduced A. dressleri Croat, and introduced A. kunayalense Croat & Vannini into cultivation. They have shown that, with proper management, it is feasible to permanently establish these species in ornamental horticulture. These accessions will also permit a new series of attractive velvet-leafed hybrids to be available to the market.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith