Red bristle philodendron
Philodendron squamiferum

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A root climber. It grows up small tree trunks. The leaf stalk is reddish and 10-15 cm long. It has small dense scales. The leaves have 5 lobes. The middle lobe is the longest. The flowering stalks are red and scaly. The fruit are pink berries.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in primary forests in open places and on flood plains. It can be on the banks of small creeks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brazil, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Indonesia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Pacific, SE Asia, Suriname, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The berries have a sharp, peppery taste.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Filodendron bulu merah, Guiambe

Synonyms

Philodendron aceriferum Schott.; Philodendron crinipes K. Koch; Philodendron crinitum Engl.; Philodendron squamiferum var. aceriferum (Schott) Engl.;