Monstera adansonii

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A vine. It climbs by aerial roots. It can grow 5-10 m long. The stems are flexible. They are green and 1-3 cm across. The leaves are alternate and of 2 types. They are entire and unequal on the sides and narrowly sword shaped. The leaves on the stem have holes. The leaves are 26-47 cm long by 13-23 cm wide. The upper surface is dull and the lower surface is pale green. The leaf stalks have wings. The flowering shoots occur singly in the axils of leaves and are erect. They have a spathe around them that is 20 cm long and opens on one side. It is green outside and cream inside.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Puerto Rico, South America, West Indies

How it is used for food

The very ripe fruit are eaten. Caution: Unripe fruit contain calcium oxalate crystals that can burn the mouth.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Calla pertusa (L.) Kunth; Mostera imraya Schott; Monstera jacquinii Schott; Monstera macrophylla Schott; Monstera pertusa (L.) de Vriese [Illegitimate]; and others