Guisnay, Huisnay
Spathiphyllum phryniifolium
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A taro family plant. It grows 100 cm high and spreads 60-80 cm wide. The leaves are dark green with heavy veins. The leaves are lance shaped and 50 cm long. The flowers are on a thick stalk and change from white to yellow as they open. There is a bract 25 cm long around them. It is pale yellow-green.
There are 41 Spathiphyllum species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in wet forest. It is mostly at low elevations but can be up to 1,400 m in Central America. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Belize, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, SE Asia, South America
How it is used for food
The young spadices are cooked with egg and eaten.
It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Busnay, Cuchijec, Flor de chile, Flor de chilillo, Cuchijec, Gushnay