Monstera deliciosa
|
Taxon |
Family |
|
Monstera deliciosa Liebm. |
Araceae |
 |
 |
| Monstera deliciosa in its native habitat Credit: Markus Nolf |
Introduced in Hawaii |
Common names: Tarovine, cut-leaf philodendron, split-leaf philodendron, Mexican breadfruit, Swiss cheese plant, monstera
Synonyms: Philodendron pertusum Kunth & C.D. Bouche
Life form: Liana
Biology/Ecology:
Dispersal: Spreads vegetatively by long adventitious roots. Fruits eaten by a variety of mammals such as rats and monkeys, which spreads seeds. Purpose or method of introduction by humans is unknown.
Reproduction: Begins to bear fruit after three years. Produces white flowers which are pollinated by bees. Fruit is yellow to purplish subglobose berry, 8-12 mm long.
Herbivores: Scales, mites and mealybugs.
Resistant stages: No information available.
Habitat:
Native habitat: High altitude forest
Habitat occupied in invaded range: Disturbed areas
Habitat requirements:
| Altitude | In native habitat, between 300 and 2000 metres above sea level. |
| Light | Shade tolerant. |
| Temperature | No information available. |
| Annual rainfall | No information available. |
| Soil | Intolerant of saline soils. Prefers moist but well-drained soils. |
Distribution:
Native to Central America
Introduced range: Introduced but not considered invasive in Tanzania, Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands.
Impacts:
Ecosystem: Can invade undisturbed forest due to shade tolerance. Smothers trees.
Health, social and economic: The plant and unripe fruit is toxic to most animals including humans.
Management:
Mechanical: No information available.
Chemical: No information available.
Biological: No information available.
References:
Gilman, E.F., 1999. Monstera deliciosa. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Available from http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/MONDELA.PDF (Accessed August 2006).
Daehler, C., 2005. Monstera deliciosa Risk Assessment Results. Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER). Available from http://www.hear.org/Pier/wra/pacific/monstera_deliciosa_htmlwra.htm (Accessed August 2006).
Whistler, WA; 2000. Tropical Ornamentals: A Guide. Timber Press.
Last updated October 2006
