Anthurium pacoraense da Pena, Croat & O.Ortiz

• Genus: Anthurium
• Botanical Background: Described in 2024 by da Pena, Croat and Ortiz in Aroideana 47(1): 214. Thomas B. Croat (Missouri Botanical Garden) and Orlando O. Ortiz (Freie Universität Berlin) led the work on Panama’s Anthurium flora

• Geographical Range: Known only from the type locality on Cerro Jefe, Panama Province, Panama.
• Environment: Occurs as an epiphyte in high‑humidity premontane wet forests. Fruiting peaks in September with the onset of the rainy season.

Leaves

• Blades ovate‑triangular‑sagittate, 52–60 cm long and 30.5–33 cm wide
• Matte, sub‑velvety surface
• Bullate texture
• Adaxial color from pale to dark green, abaxial pale green

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spadix erect, 5.5–8 cm long, creamy white
• Spathe 5.0–6.5 cm long, white to pale green with stripes
• Infructescence peduncle 21–31 cm, spadix black with red berries
• Berries ~8.5 × 4 mm

Growth Habit

• Epiphytic stems 17–23 cm long, 2.5–3 cm wide
• Few thick green roots
• Persistent cataphylls on upper petioles
• No tubers or rhizomes

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light akin to forest understory

Watering & Humidity

• Keep mix evenly moist

• Water weekly

• Maintain >60% humidity to avoid leaf edge browning

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining, coarse blend (orchid bark, perlite, peat) for root aeration

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Maintain 65–85 °F (18–29 °C)
• Feed monthly with a balanced or phosphorus‑rich fertilizer

Division and Cuttings

• Divide at the rhizome or take stem cuttings with a node

• Root under high humidity

Seeds

• Seeds germinate in warm, moist, sterilized medium

• Rarely used in cultivation

Typical Issues

• Spider mites, mealybugs, scale

Treatment Recommendations

• Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests
• For root rot, reduce watering, repot in fresh mix, and use a fungicide if needed
• Ensure good airflow and avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
  

• Named for Altos de Pacora. Resembles A. ravenii but differs in matte leaf texture, thicker peduncles, longer spadix, and persistent spathes after flowering
  

• Collectors prize its rare, large, bullate leaves and vivid red berries
• Its micro‑endemic status adds to its desirability

Wild Population Status

• Not yet evaluated by IUCN

• Micro‑endemic with potential habitat threats from deforestation

Market Availability

• Extremely rare in trade

• Obtainable only via specialty nurseries or botanical garden exchanges