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Anthurium rubrivellus Croat & D.C.Bay

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Anthurium rubrivellus Croat & D.C.Bay
  • Common Name: None widely used

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to the Pacific lowlands of Colombia (Chocó and Valle del Cauca)
  • Features: Oversized triangular-ovate blades; long white spadices turning purplish red; red berries with exserted tepals creating a woolly appearance

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Anthurium
  • Botanical Background: Described as new to science in Novon (2006) by Thomas B. Croat and Dorothy C. Bay. The epithet rubrivellus (“deep red wool”) refers to the appearance of its mature infructescences .

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to Colombia’s Pacific coast: Departments of Chocó and Valle del Cauca.
  • Environment: Tropical wet forest and wet forest–premontane transition zones below 150 m elevation; grows on tree trunks in primary and older regrowth forests, where humidity exceeds 80% and annual rainfall reaches 6,000–8,000 mm.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Blades triangular‑ovate to ovate
  • Glossy dark green above, matte pale green below

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Spathe is reflexed, green to yellow‑green tinged purple
  • Spadix sessile, white at anthesis, becoming purplish red

Growth Habit

  • Epiphytic or rarely terrestrial

  • Stem appressed to host

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Avoid hot midday sun which can scorch leaves

Watering & Humidity

  • Moist substrate without waterlogging
  • High humidity (>60%) 

Soil & Potting Mix

  • A well‑draining aroid mix (orchid bark, perlite, peat moss) 

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Temperatures ideal range 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)

  • A balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer monthly during active growth

Propagation Methods

Division and Stem Cuttings

  • Separate clumps at the rhizome
  • Ensure each division has at least one growth point

Seeds

  • Seed propagation is uncommon
  • Require warm (25–30 °C), humid conditions and light for germination

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and scale insects

Treatment Recommendations

  • Neem oil or insecticidal soap
  • Wiping pests with alcohol‑soaked cotton swabs
  • Isolating and quarantining infested plants promptly

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Woolly appearance of the fruiting spikes inspired its name
  • Strongly exserted tepals around red berries resemble deep red chenille yarn
  • Dramatic foliage and rare glowing red infructescences

 Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not yet evaluated by IUCN
  • Endemic to a restricted lowland range
  • May face habitat pressure from deforestation

Market Availability

  • Rare in general trade

  • Offered by specialist tropical plant nurseries and aroid societies

References & Resources

Further Reading

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