2. P. ser. Ecordata,

ser. nov. TYPE: P. brenesii Standl.

Internodia elongata vel brevia; cataphylla decidua; petiola subteres; lamina acuta vel subcordata ad basim; nervia minores saepe "etched" in superficie supra; pistila 5-14 locularia; locula plerumque 4-14 ovularia.

Philodendron ser. Ecordata represents a group of species with elongate stems, with internodes often longer than broad, deciduous cataphylls, elongate petioles, and blades which are ovate to ovate-elliptic, acute or at most subcordate at base (hence the name "ecordata", meaning without a cordate blade), often with the minor veins on the upper surface weakly etched. Basal veins are either free to the base or if they are united into a posterior rib, the latter is not naked or naked for only a short distance. Pistils are 5-14 locular and locules are 4-14 ovulate.

In Central America the following species occur in P. ser. Ecordata: P. brenesii, P. crassispathum, P. davidsonii, P. lentii, and P. niqueanum. There is a possibility of some relationship between P. brenesii and P. ser. Impolita, based on the glaucous lower blade surface in P. brenesii, but no other member of the group has glaucous leaves. Moreover, all the members of the above group usually have internodes longer than wide and have deciduous, rather than persistent cataphylls.