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Podolasia N.E.Br.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Podolasia stipitata N.E.Br.
  • Common Name: No widely recognized common name

Quick Facts

  • Origin: West Malesia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, NW Borneo)
  • Features: Arrow‑shaped leaves, solitary inflorescence turning purple with male anthesis, followed by prominent red berries

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Podolasia
  • Botanical Background: Described by botanist N.E. Brown in 1882; floral morphology links it to Cyrtosperma while vegetative traits resemble Lasia.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to peat‑swamp and wet tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and NW Borneo.
  • Environment: Thrives under high humidity (≥70%), low‑light understory conditions, and acidic, water‑retentive peat soils in warm (22–30 °C) climates.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Coriaceous, sagittate to hastate blades (20–40 cm long), dark green with pronounced basal ribs
  • Petioles long and spiny

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Single white spathe that darkens to purple from tip downward as male flowers mature
  • Spadix cylindrical and stipitate
  • Likely insect‑pollinated

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial perennial herb with erect to decumbent aerial stems arising from a creeping rhizome

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Avoid direct sun

Watering & Humidity

  • Keep substrate consistently moist
  • Maintain high humidity (≥70%)

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Acidic, peat‑based mix with good drainage
  • Wide container for rhizome spread

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Optimal 22–30 °C
  • Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during active growth

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Divide rhizomes in spring; ensure each section has ≥2 growing points


Seeds

  • Viable but rarely used
  • Germinate in warm, moist peat under shaded conditions

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soil
  • Mealybugs and spider mites in low‑humidity conditions

Treatment Recommendations

  • Improve drainage, reduce watering for rot
  • Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Produces large, edible‑looking red berries that are ecologically important as wildlife food
  • Rare in cultivation
  • Prized for unusual fruit display and foliage architecture

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not formally assessed
  • Habitat loss in peat swamps poses potential threat

Market Availability

  • Rare

  • Occasionally offered by specialist aroid nurseries

References & Resources

Further Reading

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