Rhodospatha
Rhodospatha latifolia
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A climbing herb. The leaves are in 2 vertical rows. They are oblong to narrowly oval. The flowering shoots occur singly. The spathe is yellowish-white and pink in the centre. The fruit is a berry. The seeds are kidney shaped and flattened.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in tropical humid forests up to 700 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Central America, Ecuador, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Indonesia, Panama, Peru, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The young leaves are used in tamales. They are eaten as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Akar rodospata, Col del monte, Kakirpas, Katirpas