Anthurium
Genus of flowering plants, largest in the arum family.
Anthurium is a genus of about 1,000 species of flowering plants, the largest genus of the arum family, Araceae. General common names include anthurium, tailflower, flamingo flower, pigtail plant, and laceleaf. The genus is native to the Americas, distributed from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.
- field
- Botany
- known_for
- Largest genus of the arum family; popular as houseplants and ornamental cultivars
- native_range
- Northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean
- number_of_species
- About 1,000
Lore & Background
Anthurium is a genus of herbs often growing as epiphytes on other plants; some are terrestrial. The leaves are often clustered and variable in shape. The inflorescence bears small perfect flowers (containing male and female structures) arranged in close spirals on a spadix, which may be elongated, globe-shaped, or club-shaped. Beneath the spadix is a spathe, a type of bract that is variable in shape—often lance-shaped—and may extend flat, curve, or cover the spadix like a hood. Fruits develop as juicy berries, usually containing two seeds. The spadix and spathe are a main focus of breeders, who develop cultivars in bright colors and unique shapes. Anthurium scherzerianum and A. andraeanum, two of the most common taxa in cultivation, are the only species that naturally grow bright red spathes, though they have been bred to produce spathes in many other colors and patterns. All plants in the genus are toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, pain, swelling, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in cats, dogs, and horses.
Reader's Guide
Anthurium holds significance as the largest genus in the arum family, with about 1,000 species native to the Americas. Its distinctive inflorescence—a spadix and spathe—has made it a focus of ornamental breeding, particularly the species A. scherzerianum and A. andraeanum, which are the only ones with naturally bright red spathes. These have been hybridized to produce a wide range of colors and patterns, making anthuriums popular as houseplants and in mild-climate gardens. Many species, such as A. crystallinum and A. clarinervium, are grown for their large, velvety leaves with striking venation. The genus is also notable for its toxicity: all parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that are harmful to pets and horses. Propagation is typically done via seed, cuttings, or tissue culture in commercial trade.
Did You Know?
- Anthurium is the largest genus of the arum family, Araceae, with about 1,000 species.
- The genus is native to the Americas, from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.
- Only two species, Anthurium scherzerianum and A. andraeanum, naturally produce bright red spathes.
- All parts of Anthurium plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Anthurium?
Anthurium is a genus of flowering plants that makes up the largest group within the arum family (Araceae), encompassing roughly 1,000 distinct species. It is one of the most recognizable ornamental plant genera in botany.
Where does Anthurium originate from?
The genus is native to the Americas, with its natural range stretching from northern Mexico down through Central and South America to northern Argentina, plus parts of the Caribbean.
What are the common names people use for Anthurium?
Beyond its scientific name, you'll hear it called tailflower, flamingo flower, pigtail plant, or laceleaf depending on the species and region.
Why is Anthurium so popular as a houseplant?
Its striking, long-lasting bracts and diverse leaf shapes make it a favorite for indoor cultivation and floral arrangements, which is why so many ornamental cultivars have been developed from the genus.
How does Anthurium fit into the broader arum family?
As the largest genus in Araceae, Anthurium represents the most species-rich branch of the arum family, giving it a central place in the taxonomy of aroids.
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