Gearum brasiliense N.E.Br.

• Genus: Gearum
• Botanical Background: First collected by William J. Burchell in 1828 and described by N.E. Brown in 1882; rediscovered in 1978 after 150 years of being known only from the type inflorescence.

• Geographical Range: Endemic to central Brazil, specifically the states of Tocantins, Mato Grosso, and Goiás.
• Environment: Occurs in seasonally flooded gallery forests and hyperseasonal savanna (cerrado) on sandy to loamy soils at ca. 400–500 m elevation.

Leaves

• Solitary, coriaceous, pedatisect blades with 5–13 narrow lobes (central leaflet 10–18 cm long)
• Mid‑green, sometimes reddish along margin

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Solitary inflorescence appears before or with leaves
• Spathe 14–24 cm long, white to green with dark stripes or spots
• Emits camphor‑like odor during female phase
• Spadix shorter than spathe, cream‑colored synandria
• Pollinated chiefly by scarab beetles (cantharophily)

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial
• Seasonally dormant geophyte with an erect, fleshy rhizome and fleshy roots

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct midday sun

Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist during growth
• Allow light drying in dormancy
• Maintain ≥60% humidity

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well‑draining, loamy mix rich in organic matter 
• Terra cotta or breathable container recommended

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Deal 20–30 °C
• Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Divide fleshy rhizomes in spring when new growth emerges

Seeds

• Fresh seeds germinate best in warm (25–28 °C), moist conditions
• Viability declines quickly

Typical Issues

• Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot from overwatering
• Ensure good airflow and avoid waterlogging

Treatment Recommendations

• Neem oil or insecticidal soap 
• Repot in fresh, sterile mix and apply a mild fungicide for root issues

• Monotypic genus rediscovered after 150 years
• Represents a basal lineage within Spathicarpeae and demonstrates specialized beetle pollination

• Sought by collectors for its unusual pedate foliage and rarity

Wild Population Status

• Not formally assessed by IUCN
• Restricted endemic habitat suggests potential vulnerability due to land‑use change

Market Availability

• Extremely rare in cultivation
• Occasionally available through specialist botanical gardens or aroid nurseries