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Anthurium pacoraense da Pena, Croat & O.Ortiz

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Anthurium pacoraense da Pena, Croat & O.Ortiz
  • Common Name: No common names recorded

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Cerro Jefe, Panama Province, at ~901 m elevation
  • Features: Ovate‑triangular‑sagittate blades up to 60 cm; creamy white spadix turning black at fruiting; dark red berries

Taxonomy & Classification

  • 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

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • 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.

Morphological Characteristics

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

Cultivation & Care

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

Propagation Methods

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

Common Pests & Diseases

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

Notable Traits & Uses

  • 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

Conservation & Availability

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

References & Resources

Further Reading

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