Philodendron bipinnatifidum, the tree philodendron

When we think of a Philodendron, we most often imagine a climbing houseplant with delicate foliage, such as philodendron 'Silver Queen. But Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina are home to a very different kind of philodendron: Philodendron bipinnatifidum. This variety of the Araceae family is distinguished by its giant leaves and woody stem.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a shrub with a spreading habit. In its natural habitat, the dry tropics, it reaches four meters in all directions. Its growth is much more modest when grown in pots in our latitudes. It can nevertheless grow to over a metre in height.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum has a thick, branched stem. The base lignifies over the years. It eventually forms a trunk up to 15 cm in diameter. The light-brown bark is covered with leaf scars.

A long, smooth petiole, up to 120 centimetres long in mature plants, supports the cordate or sagittate leaf. Bright green, it is deeply lobed and drooping. Some blades reach 1.50 m in length.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum grows rapidly, but it can take years, sometimes 20 years, before it flowers. The plant then produces a fragrant pink or cream inflorescence, consisting of a spadix and a spathe.

If the flower is pollinated, it gives rise to a cluster of fleshy, white or yellow berries.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum is toxic to animals if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause digestive problems. Contact with the sap can also cause skin allergies in humans.