The ancient Greek name for ivy-like plants but later applied directly to this genus.
Mostly robust epiphytic plants climbing by adventitious roots. Leaves simple, entire with parallel pinnate venation; stalks with long and often broad sheaths that become fibrous and with an elbow-like joint. Spathe soon shed. Spadix with bisexual flowers, shorter than the spathe. Perianth absent. Stamens 4. Ovary 1-chambered containing 1 ovule. Fruit a berry.
Grown for the attractive foliage and flowers, generally in pots or hanging baskets.
About 40 tropical species from SE Asia, Malaysia and Brazil.
Stem cuttings.
Some species have local medicinal uses.
Leaves strongly asymmetric and heart-shaped.
Source: (2005). Araceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.