Anthurium annularum

Anthurium annularum
Orlando O. Ortiz

Anthurium annularum

Anthurium annularum
Orlando O. Ortiz

Anthurium annularum

The genus Anthurium has a particularly high level of endemism and this species adds to the list. Due to its restricted range and nearby threats in the form of agriculture and logging, the authors that described this species suggested it should be considered Critically Endangered [CR].

Identification

Hemiepiphytic climbing herb with stems to 1 m long. Its swollen, ring-shaped structures at the internodes (where the leaves join the stem) is a defining characteristic.

Foliage: Green and semi-glossy, lance-shaped.

Flowering structure: Stem 1.5 - 3.5 cm long, reddish in color. Spathe small, green or whitish-green. Spadix erect, yellowish-green, to 1.9 cm long. Flowers with whitish anthers, 3-4 visible on the main spiral and 2-3 on the alternate spiral.

Fruiting structure: Hanging. Spathe tends to fall off. Spadix larger than when flowering. Flowers reddish-purple. Berries round, light green to greenish-white with part eventually turning translucent. 1-2 seeds per berry.

Orlando O. Ortiz
Original examples of Anthurum annularum from Ortiz et al. (2016) Click on the image to view it larger.

Distribution

To date, this species has only been encountered in Cerro Chucantí.

Biology and Natural History

Notable for growing 25 - 30 m above the ground in the canopy with various species of orchids.

Habitat: 1,325 m in elevation within premontane wet forest/tropical wet forest dominated by Quercus, Sloana, Oreomunnea and Magnolia.

Phenology: The original specimen was observed flowering & fruiting in August, exact seasons unknown.

Etymology

From the Latin "annularis", meaning ring-like, in reference to the ring-shaped swellings at the nodes.

References

  • Ortiz, OO., R.M. Baldini, G. Berguido & T.B. Croat (2016). New species of Anthurium (Araceae) from Chucantí Nature Reserve, eastern Panama. Phytotaxa. 255(1): 047–056. (Link)