Micropropagation of Anthurium – MATSUMOTO 1997

Within the family Araceae, Anthurium is the largest, most morphologically diverse and complex genus, consisting of approximately 1000 species. Native to Central and South America, members of Anthurium are found at elevations ranging from sea level to 3000 m, most commonly in cloud forests at 1500m (Croat 1986). Plants of this herbaceaous perennial monocot are terrestrial or epiphytic. Typical of the aroids is the spadix, consisting of a multitude of unobtrusive true flowers supported by a fleshy axil. The protogynous nature of the bisexual flowers in Anthurium favors cross-pollination. The commercial flower is a combination of the spadix and a colorful modified leaf, termed spathe. Attractive foliage of some species makes anthuriums also suitable for leaf harvest and cultivation as a potted plant.