Indonesian evergreen
Aglaonema pictum

Family: Araceae

What it is like

An erect plant. It is evergreen. It grows to 60 cm high and wide. The leaf stalk is 6 cm long. The leaf is oblong to oval and blue-green. It is 15-20 cm long and 6 cm wide. The edges are wavy. The leaves have irregular pale grey blotches. The flowers are very small.

There are about 22-25 Aglaonema species. They occur in SE Asia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in lower mountain forests between 90-500 m above sea level. It is best in rich, moist soils. It suits a protected, shady position. It is sensitive to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Singapore

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Caution: Many plants in this family contain oxalates.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown by dividing the basal shoots. They can also be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Aglonema batik, Hawnan-gamon

Synonyms

Aglaonema gracile Schott; Aglaonema pictum f. concolor Jervis; Aglaonema pictum var. tricolor N. E. Br. ex Engl.; Aglaonema versicolor auct.; Calla picta Roxb.;