International Aroid Society

Dear Joep,

The Aglaonema you collected in the French Guiana trail is probably Aglaonema brevispathum, another common species cultivated by Indians in South America. Together with A. costata, the native but domesticated forms of Caladium (specially of the C. picturatum group) and a few other plants, these species are kept by Indians (or strongy Indian influenced communities) as special plants and given as gifts to just married couples as a good-luck charms. Probably these plants were brought by Chinese and Indians (from India) that came for special jobs (like railways or mining activities) and spread by local people. Years after, we find this weird things in the middle of “virgin”jungle in South America!

Very best wishes,

Eduardo.

INHOTIM
Dr. EDUARDO G. GON=C7ALVES

Curador Bot=E2nico

Jardim Bot=E2nico

Rua B, 20
35460-000 | Brumadinho | MG | Brasil
+55 31 3571.6638 Ramal Fixo 107 +55 31 9604.8618 Ramal 380

Rua Ant=F4nio de Albuquerque, 215 | Funcion=E1rios
30112-010 | Belo Horizonte | MG | Brasil
+55 31 3223.8224

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De: aroid-l-bounces@www.gizmoworks.com [mailto:aroid-l-bounces@www.gizmoworks.com] Em nome de Johannes Moonen
Enviada em: segunda-feira, 1 de novembro de 2010 10:30
Para: Discussion of aroids
Assunto: [Aroid-l] Aglaomena & Amerindian plants & Anoucha

Dear Eduardo & friends,

This plant in my collection in Guayana Francesca looks like the Aglaomena or Bognera in Santourys mail. I collected it locally but did not register where. I often collect plants on tourist trips but have not allways the time to write things down.

Dieffenbachia spec FG.

I think these Dieffenbachias on the coest of FG are also of Amerindian origin.

Detail of the same Dieffenbachia. They grow among other Amerindian plants like Caladiums etc.

At least a picture of Anoucha that went on our last Oiapogue expedition in September. She is a hunting victim, confiscated by IBAMA and given to our boatsman to raise. She is adorable.

have a nice day, tchao Joep