Anthurium miritiparanaense Croat & J.Watt

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described by botanists Thomas B. Croat (a leading Araceae specialist at Missouri Botanical Garden) and J. Watt in Aroideana 43(1,2):143 (2020).

• Geographical Range: Known only from the type locality along the Río Miritiparaná in Amazonas department, Colombia, at ~213 m elevation.
• Environment: Occurs in tropical moist forest (Af climate), with mean temperatures of 22–26 °C and annual rainfall of 1 500–3 000 mm. Relative humidity ranges from 77 % (dry season) to 88 % (wet season).

Leaves

• Blades oblong‑linear to lanceolate, coriaceous, several times longer than wide
• Primary lateral veins numerous and emerging at ~25–30°, drying greenish gray

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spadix purplish violet‑red
• Spathe color not documented
• Pollination is likely beetle‑mediated, as in many Araceae

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic with short internodes and persistent cataphylls, forming compact clumps without true tubers

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist but never waterlogged

• Maintain humidity above 60 %

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a loose, well‑draining mix of orchid bark, peat or coir, and perlite to mimic epiphytic conditions

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 16–22 °C

• Feed with a balanced, diluted fertilizer biweekly during active growth.

Division and Cuttings

• Propagate by dividing the rhizome or by stem cuttings with at least one node.

  
  

Seeds

• Propagation is possible but seldom used commercially due to low germination rates.

Typical Issues

• Mealybugs, spider mites, scale, root rot, anthracnose, and bacterial blight
• Ensure good air flow and avoid overwatering

Treatment Recommendations

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests
• Trim affected roots and apply fungicide for root rot
• Remove and destroy diseased tissue

• The epithet miritiparanaense honors the Río Miritiparaná region
• Predicted extinction risk is “threatened” with high confidence

• Its slender lanceolate leaves and striking purplish spadix make it a coveted rarity among specialist aroid collectors

Wild Population Status

• Predicted to be threatened according to Angiosperm Extinction Risk Predictions v1

Market Availability

• Not known in commercial trade

• Confined to scientific and specialist collections due to its rarity