Re: Philodendron spiritus-sancti

From: "Scott Lucas" htbg at ilhawaii.net> on 2000.10.04 at 18:39:58(5516) Aloha Jay, I took a look at the photograph of Philodendron 'Santa Leopoldina' in Exotica and can observe that this is not the same plant that I have, which I think may be the "true" Philodenddron spiritus-sancti. The leaves on my plant are much narrower, the upper lobes of the leaf much sharper and, now that appears to finally be setting into a more or less mature growth pattern, the leaves are measuring a consistent four feet in length. Mine came from the IAS Auction in Miami in 1997 and, while it has grown consistently, the stem is only about six inches long yet. There is really no internode between petioles at all. It is a truly handsome plant with deep green upper surfaces to the leaves and undersides red/purple. It flowered for the first time this year, producing 5 inflorescences... but no fruit. When it does (if it does) fruit, I will be anxious to pass seed out to all takers! Scott A. Lucas +More ----- Original Message ----- To: "Multiple recipients of list AROID-L" Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2000 10:06 AM Subject: Philodendron spiritus-sancti > Howdy, all! > > Eduardo Goncalve's message on his visit to the Burle-Marx collection (the > lucky devil!) jogged my somewhat uncertain memory about Philodendron > spiritus-sancti a.k.a. P. "Santa Leopoldina" #1. I have a plant that is > supposed to be this species - it does show most of the characteristics > described in the paper published on it, EXCEPT the petiole shape, which in > mine is markedly flattened on the upper surface, or hemispheric in > cross-section. The stem and petioles of this plant also flush scarlet at > times (in response to who knows what), and the leaves keep changing size, > although not shape. Although grown from a very small stem cutting, leaves > are now reaching over 20" in length - the distance between internodes is > extremely short (<1"), making the plant look almost like a self-header. > Oddly, for a Philodendron, it seems happiest at cooler temperatures. > > What I am curious about is whether the plants illustrated in Exotica and > Tropica and labelled P. Santa Leopoldina are, in fact, P. spiritus-sancti. > My plant is almost a dead ringer for both of these two, so if it's in fact > something else that's for sale at the neighborhood Home Depot for 4.99 - > PLEASE BE GENTLE. > > Cheerio, > > Jay > > >

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