Monstera deliciosa

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Monstera deliciosa Liebm.
"Deliciosa" means "delicious", referring to the edible fruit.
Synonyms : Monstera lennea K.Koch, Philodendron anatomicum Kunth.
Common Name : Fruit Salad Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron, Mexican Bread Fruit, Swiss Cheese Plant, Window Leaf, Ceriman, Monstera
Plant Family : Araceae
Plant Form : Climbers
Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park, Ayurvedic Udyan, Van Chetana Kendra

Habit : An ever green climber with window leaf.
Leaves : Leathery, glossy,heart shaped leaves are smaller and entire with no holes or lobes. But in older leaves characteristic splits and perforations can be observed.
Inflorescence : Spadix andspathe, Creamy-white, 7-12 in. long often covered with boat shaped bract.
Flowers :
- Fleshy spadix is the upright spike with tiny flowers on it.
- It takes long time to mature.
Fruit :
- An aromatic fruit that looks a little like a green corn cob.
- It is said to taste like a combination of banana, pineapple and mango.
Significance : An ornamental plant.