The genus is named from the Latin word for "monstrous" or "abnormal", and refers to the unusual leaves with natural holes that members of the genus have.^[3]

Growth pattern edit

They are herbs or evergreen vines, growing to heights of 20 metres (66 ft) in trees, climbing by means of aerial roots which act as hooks over branches; these roots will also grow into the soil to help support the plant. Since the plant roots both into the soil and over trees, it is considered a hemiepiphyte.^[4]

Leaves edit

The leaves are alternate, leathery, dark green, very large, from 25–90 centimetres (9.8–35.4 in) long (up to 300 centimetres (120 in) long in M. gigas) and 15–75 centimetres (5.9–29.5 in) broad, often with holes in the leaf blade. The fenestrated leaves allow for the leaves to spread over greater area to increase sunlight exposure, and to allow light to reach other leaves below, by using less energy to produce and maintain the leaves.^[5]

Inflorescence edit

The flowers are borne on a specialized inflorescence called a spadix, 5–95 centimetres (2.0–37.4 in) long; the fruit is a cluster of berries, with significant variation in color, edible in some species.

They are commonly grown indoors as houseplants. The best-known representative of the genus, Monstera deliciosa, is also cultivated for its edible fruit which tastes like a combination of peach and pineapple.

As of November 2022^[update] Plants of the World Online recognizes 70 accepted taxa (of 64 species and 6 infraspecific names):^[2][6]

Previously included:^{[clarification needed][citation needed]}

• Monstera alticola Croat
• Monstera bocatorana Croat & Grayum
• Monstera coloradensis Croat
• Monstera fortunense Croat
• Monstera gigantea (Roxb.) Schott - Epipremnum giganteum (Roxb.) Schott
• Monstera jefense Croat
• Monstera pirrense Croat

Commonly misidentified as Monstera:

• Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
• Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

• Aroid Society