Scientific details

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Philodendron scandens

 COMMON NAME(S): Heartleaf philodendron
SYNONYM(S): Philodendron oxycardium Schott
FAMILY: ARACEAE - Arum family
ORIGIN: South America
HABITAT: Houseplant
RANGE: Puerto Rico, but cultivated throughout North America
TYPE: Evergreen vine
HEIGHT: Variable
CHARACTERISTICS: Stems green, slender
LEAVES: Alternate, heart-shaped, pointed at tip, 6-12" long
FLOWERS: Tiny, congested on a fleshy spike surrounded by a bract (spathe)
FLOWERING SEASON: Rarely produced
FRUITS: Berries, rarely produced

ALLERGENIC COMPONENTS: All parts
ALLERGENIC PRINCIPLES: Alkyl resorcinol
ALLERGENIC PROPERTIES: Dermatological
COMMENTS: This common houseplant has caused a contact dermatitis among greenhouse workers handling the foliage. It can also be expected to contain calcium oxalates that may be irritating as well.

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