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Anthurium morrisii Croat & O.Ortiz

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Anthurium morrisii Croat & O.Ortiz
  • Common Name: No widely recognized common names

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to Colombia
  • Features: Foliage-centric species with smooth, lanceolate leaves and a terrestrial or low epiphytic growth habit

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Anthurium
  • Botanical Background: Described by botanists Thomas B. Croat and Orlando Ortiz, Anthurium morrisii was named in honor of a person or entity with the surname Morris, likely linked to field contributions or support.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to Colombia
  • Environment: Found in humid, shaded forest understories with high rainfall. It grows in loose, organic-rich soils and thrives in high humidity and stable, warm temperatures.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Narrowly elliptic, with smooth margins, glossy surfaces, and a dark green hue
  • Typically thin-textured and arch gently from long petioles

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Slender, upright spadix accompanied by a narrow, pale green to whitish spathe
  • Inflorescence is subtle and not strongly fragrant. Likely pollinated by small insects

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial or occasionally epiphytic in moist forest settings
  • Grows from a short stem with aerial roots in mature specimens

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, filtered light
  • Avoid direct sun to prevent scorching of thin leaves

Watering & Humidity

  • Needs consistently moist soil and high humidity (above 70%)
  • Allow the top layer of soil to slightly dry before rewatering

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Grows best in a loose, well-draining mix such as orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or coco husk
  • Ensure adequate aeration and drainage

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Optimal temperatures range from 20–28°C (68–82°F)
  • Feed monthly with a diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Can be propagated via division of basal offsets
  • Stem cuttings with aerial rootst


Seeds

  • Possible but rarely used due to slower development
  • Limited seed availability

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Mealybugs, aphids, or fungal issues if humidity is too low or ventilation is poor
  • Overwatering can cause root rot

Treatment Recommendations

  • Treat pests with neem oil or insecticidal soap
  • Improve airflow and water only when the medium begins to dry slightly

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Rich endemic flora and represents the diversity of Anthurium species in the Pacific lowland forests
  • Prized by collectors for its refined foliage and rare status
  • Good choice for terrariums or controlled indoor tropical plant displays

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not assessed by IUCN
  • Habitat pressures in Colombia's Chocó region suggest possible vulnerability

Market Availability

  • Very rare in cultivation
  • Appear in specialty aroid collections or through limited botanical distribution programs

References & Resources

Further Reading

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