Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum is a climbing species in the genus Philodendron (Araceae), widespread from Mexico through tropical America. It is a hemiepiphytic vine (it can start life on the ground and climb, or germinate on a tree branch), climbing with aerial roots and reaching 10 m in the wild. The leaves are glossy and heart-shaped, emerging bronze and soon turning green, and adult leaves measure 14 to 30 cm long and 10 to 20 cm wide. Plants have been sold as P. scandens, P. oxycardium and P. micans, all now included in this species. Var. oxycardium ranges from Mexico to Honduras. Cultivars include 'Brasil', with yellow variegation along the midrib, and 'Lime', with entirely yellow leaves. It contains calcium oxalate, and chewing the plant causes pain and swelling of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, so keep it away from pets and children. It has naturalized in Hawaii, Florida and elsewhere.