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Ariopsis peltata Nimmo

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Ariopsis peltata Nimmo
  • Common Name: Shield Leaf Ariopsis; Kannada: kallukesu; Konkani: nagamani; Malayalam: kalththaalu, kalththaamara; Marathi: khadakteri, nagamani

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Southwestern India (Western Ghats)
  • Features: Peltate, orbicular leaves and a small cylindrical spadix within a yellow‑white spathe

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Ariopsis
  • Botanical Background: Sescribed by Nimmo and published in Catalogue Plantarum Bombay (J. Graham) in 1839, this species has been accepted since that original treatment; for much of its history A. protanthera was considered a morph of A. peltata, but recent work distinguishes them as separate species.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to the Western Ghats of southwest India.
  • Environment: Thrives in wet tropical understories with high humidity, well‑drained lateritic soils, and consistent monsoon rainfall.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Typically one or two peltate
  • Orbicular leaves per growth cycle; each 5–9 cm across

  • Membranous and glabrous

  • Borne on slender petioles up to 8 cm long

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Spathe yellow or white
  • About 3 cm long and cymbiform
  • Spadix cylindrical (≈2.5 cm long, 3 mm thick)
  • Bearing 5–7 female flowers on the lower side

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial or occasionally epiphytic annuals with a globose rootstock (tuber) up to 1 cm across

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light mimicking forest understory shade

Watering & Humidity

  • Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged
  • Maintain high humidity (60–80%)

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Free‑draining mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark to ensure aeration around the tuber

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Maintain warm temperatures (above 15 °C)
  • Fertilize lightly with a balanced indoor‑plant fertilizer during active growth
  • Reducing feed in dormancy

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Best propagated by dividing the tuberous rootstock in early growth season

Seeds

  • Seed propagation is uncommon due to slow germination
  • Require warm (25–30 °C), moist, shaded conditions and may take several weeks to sprout

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Common pests such a mealybugs, spider mites and thrips
  • Root rot can occur if watering is excessive or drainage is poor

Treatment Recommendations

  • Wipe leaves with water or apply insecticidal soap/neem oil for pests
  • Improve drainage and reduce watering to prevent rot

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Genus name “Ariopsis” means “like Arum”
  • Specific epithet “peltata” refers to the shield‑like leaf shape
  • Valued by collectors for its compact form and distinctive peltate foliage
  • Uncommon in general trade but sought by Araceae enthusiasts

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Limited assessment of its wild population
  • Habitat loss remains a potential concern

Market Availability

  • Relatively rare in the horticultural trade and is typically available only through specialized nurseries or botanical collection

References & Resources

Further Reading

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