Menu
Log in
site_logo

Anthurium mourae Engl.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Anthurium mourae Engl.
  • Common Name: No common names

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Endemic to southeastern Brazil
  • Features: Ovate to lance-shaped leaves and preference for moist, shaded forest environments

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Anthurium
  • Botanical Background: First described by the renowned German botanist Adolf Engler, a major figure in plant taxonomy who contributed extensively to early classification of Araceae species.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil
  • Environment: Found in humid, tropical forest understories. It prefers shaded areas with consistent moisture, growing in leaf litter or humus-rich soil on the forest floor.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Lanceolate to elliptic, medium to dark green, and have a leathery texture
  • Venation is subtle but well-defined, and the leaf blade may be gently arching

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Inflorescence consists of a slender, upright spadix with a pale green to creamy spathe
  • Pollinated by small beetles or flies, like many other Anthurium species

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial species with a compact form
  • Emerges from a short stem and develops a modest root system
  • Often in loose organic soil or forest debris

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect  light
  • Full sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

  • Requires moderate to high humidity and evenly moist soil
  • Water regularly but avoid soggy conditions

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Thrives in a well-draining, organic-rich mix
  • Blend of sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and perlite is suitable in containers

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal temperature range is 20–28°C (68–82°F)
  • Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Propagate through division of basal shoots or stem cuttings with visible roots
  • Maintain high humidity during rooting for best results


Seeds

  • Propagation is possible but slow and infrequently used
  • Require warmth and humidity to germinate

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects
  • Root rot may occur if drainage is poor

Treatment Recommendations

  • Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil
  • Improve air circulation and reduce watering if fungal issues appear

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Unique diversity of Brazil’s Atlantic
  • One of the most ecologically rich but threatened biomes in the world
  • Valued for its clean, architectural foliage and modest size
  • Suitable for terrariums or indoor aroid collections

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not formally assessed by the IUCN
  • Biome under pressure from deforestation, making it potentially vulnerable

Market Availability

  • Rare in cultivation
  • Found only through specialty collectors or botanical institutions

References & Resources

Further Reading

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
Document