合果芋 Syngonium podophyllum
Syngonium, commonly known as arrowhead vine, is a tropical evergreen plant belonging to the family Araceae and the genus Syngonium. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, as well as the West Indies, it thrives in humid, shaded environments. In some indigenous cultures of Central America, the plant's sap was historically used in natural remedies, though it is mildly toxic and should be handled with care.
Syngonium podophyllum, the most common species, grows best in moist, well-drained, and fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. In its native habitats, it is typically found in tropical forests but can also be observed in moist pre-montane forests. Its elevation range extends from sea level up to 1,000 meters, with populations flourishing below 750 meters, especially between 100 and 500 meters. The plant adapts well to sandy or loamy soils, making it versatile in its growing conditions .
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae 植物界
Clade: Tracheophyta 維管束植物
Clade: Angiosperms 被子植物
Clade: Monocots 單子葉植物
Order: Alismatales 澤瀉目
Family: Araceae 天南星科
Genus: Syngonium 合果芋屬
Species: S. podophyllum 合果芋
Characteristics
Taxonomic Group
Angiosperms
Growth Form
Perennial Climbing Vine
Height/Length
> 10 m
S. podophyllum in the NSYSU Campus
Morphology and Description
Root
• Fibrous roots: The underground roots are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, providing energy for the plant's growth. These roots are typically thin but widely distributed, making them highly adaptable to different environments.
• Aerial roots: Syngonium plants produce aerial roots at their nodes, which help them attach to surfaces like walls or tree trunks for climbing. These roots can also absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
• Hydroponic roots: In water cultivation, Syngonium develops long aquatic roots that are white or semi-transparent, adapted to aquatic environments.
Fibrous
Stem
• During the early growth stage, the plant forms a clump. As it matures, the stems extend and develop into climbing vines.
• The vines sprout from the nodes and can crawl along the ground, dangle, or climb vertically by attaching to supports.
• The vines can grow over 10 meters long.
vine
Leaf form
• Juvenile leaves: Simple arrowhead or sagittate-shaped leaves with a cordate base.
• Mature leaves: Palmate compound leaves with 3 to 9 lobes, measuring 12–26 cm long. Lobes near the leaf base often have small, ear-shaped appendages.
• Leaves are smooth, glossy, and borne on long petioles (15–60 cm). The coloration varies, with green or green-and-white patterns. The veins and lamina often feature contrasting colors like dark green, pale green, or yellow-green.
Ovate
Phyllotaxy
• Arrangement: Alternate. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem.
Alternate
Inflorescence
• The flowers are borne on a spadix, with a green or pale yellow spathe.
• Syngonium employs a typical insect-pollination strategy, relying on small beetles and flies. The spathe emits scents to attract pollinators, while the spadix structure ensures successful pollination.
• Structure: The spadix consists of numerous small flowers arranged in male and female zones. The female flowers mature first (located at the base), followed by the male flowers at the top, preventing self-pollination.
Spadix
Fruit
• The fruit is a brown syncarp enclosed within a red spathe.
S. podophyllum Climbing on a Tree Trunk
New Leaves of S. podophyllum
S. podophyllum Twining Around a Tree