Philodendron cordatum (Araceae)
Hemi-epiphytic, sometimes epilithic vine. Stem: apex green becoming greyish in the mature parts, internodes 1.5-3 cm long. Prophyll 29-40 x 6-11 cm, narrowly triangular, green to yellowish-green becoming rusty red, covered with vinaceous extra-floral nectaries. LEAVES:Petiole 55-61 cm long. Leaf blade 40-65 x 23-41 cm, ovate to broadly ovate, apex acute, base cordate, chartaceous to subcoriaceous; anterior division 26-49 x 23-41 cm, primary lateral veins with vinaceous nectaries 5-7 per side; posterior divisions 11-19 x 11-17 cm, acroscopic veins 1-3 per side, basioscopic veins 2-3 per side; basal veins 3-6 per side, with none or rarely 1 free to base; posterior rib naked for 0.8-2.3 cm. INFLORESCENCE: Inflorescence: 1-3 per floral sympodium; peduncle 3-9 cm long. Spathe 17-21 x 4-6 cm long, weakly constricted, outside greenish cream with vinaceous grooves when immature, becoming cream close to the anthesis and turning pinkish red to red after anthesis, inside cream. Spadix 15-18 cm long; male zone 8-9.5 cm long, white; male sterile zone 1-1.5 cm long, cream; female zone 4.5-6 cm long, pale green. Flowers: stamens 1.5-2 x 0.5-1 mm; sterile stamens 2-3.8 x 0.7-1.5 mm; gynoecium 2.5-3.5 x 1.8-2.3 mm, cylindrical, ovary 9-13-locular, 3-6 ovules per locule, sub-basal placentation. INFRUCTESCENCE: Berries not seen.
Near Threatened (NT), this species occupies a narrow strip of land near the coast, and such forests are under constant threat from land development. However, it is not a rare taxon and its populations are protected within the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar (SP) and Reserva Biológica do Tinguá (RJ).
Atlantic coastal zone of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states, Southeastern Brazil.
Hemi-epiphytic, sometimes epilithic in tropical forest and restinga areas.