Anthurium clarinervium

Anthurium clarinervium is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae native to Chiapas, Mexico. The Anthurium genus is known to contain approximately 1,000 species, resulting in one of the most diverse Central American tropical plant genera.

Description

A. clarinervium is a deep forest green colored plant with a velvety leaf surface, with reticulate venation which is an uncommon venation pattern for a monocot. The veins vary between ivory and light green in color and are usually 1 cm in width. It has ovate, deeply-lobed leaves, resembling a love heart, with whitish veins, atop stems that are 1–2 cm thick. It grows naturally as an epiphyte. A. clarinervium produces orange berries containing numerous seeds and reproduces via sexual reproduction. This species has been unofficially placed in the category of Esqueleto herbs (Esqueleto is Spanish for skeleton), as the veins of the leaves resemble a ribcage. It is similar in appearance to and may be confused with Anthurium crystallinum.

Distribution

Anthurium clarinervium tends to grow in wet disturbed forests or elevated cloudy environments. It is found naturally in Mexico. Anthurium clarinervium is an aroid perennial that flourishes in shaded regions of Mexico’s limestone ledges.