Family: Araceae
Author: Liebm.
Bibliography: Vidensk. Meddel. Naturhist. Foren. Kjøbenhavn 1: 19 (1849)
Year: 1849
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Monstera
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas) to Guatemala
Description
The Fruit-salad-plant, scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa, is an intriguing and popular species native to the tropical regions stretching from Mexico, including Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, all the way to Guatemala. Belonging to the Araceae family, this plant has captivated plant enthusiasts and botanists alike due to its unique foliage and delightful fruit.
Monstera deliciosa is famed for its large, glossy, and deeply lobed leaves which often develop characteristic natural holes or splits, a phenomenon known as fenestration. This distinctive leaf morphology not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also serves an adaptive purpose in its natural habitat, potentially helping to withstand strong winds and allow light to reach lower parts of the plant.
Beyond its visual allure, the Fruit-salad-plant is also known for producing an edible fruit that is considered a delicacy in its native range. The fruit, resembling a green ear of corn, undergoes a long maturation process but, once ripe, rewards with a taste reminiscent of a combination of banana, pineapple, and mango — a true fruit salad experience from a single plant, hence its common name.
First described in scientific literature in 1849 by Liebmann in the publication Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra Naturhistorisk Forening i Kjøbenhavn, Monstera deliciosa has since found its way into homes and tropical gardens worldwide. It is not merely prized for its ornamental value but also occasionally cultivated for its unusual and flavorsome fruit.
Known for its robust and climbing growth habit, this plant can reach impressive sizes, both in its native habitat and as a cultivated specimen. When provided with suitable support, such as a moss pole or trellis, and the right growing conditions, which include high humidity, indirect light, and well-draining soil, Monstera deliciosa can thrive and become a striking centerpiece in any collection.
Overall, Monstera deliciosa, with its enchanting leaves and unique fruit, continues to be a plant of great interest and admiration, celebrated both for its beauty and the delightful experience it offers.
Common Names
Eng: cut-leaf-philodendron, fruit-salad-plant, mexican-breadfruit, monstera, swiss-cheese-plant, tarovine, locust and wild honey, swiss cheese plant
Deu: philodendron, großes fensterblatt
Por: ananas-japonês, banana-de-macaco
Spa: balazos, harpón, piñanona monstera
Fra: cériman
Swe: monstera
En: Fruit-salad-plant, Monstera, Swiss-cheese-plant, Cut-leaf-philodendron, Mexican-breadfruit, Tarovine, Swiss cheese plant, Windowleaf, Taro Vine, Ceriman, Delicious monster, Split-leaf philodendron, Swiss-cheese plant, Window plant, Locust and wild honey, Split Leaf Philodendron, Fruit salad plant, Harpon, Mexican breadfruit, Pine fruit tree
Af: Geraamteplant
Ar: قشطة دندروم
Be: Манстэра прывабная
Bn: ফল সালাদ গাছ
Zh: 龜背芋, 龟背竹
Da: Fingerfilodendron
Nl: Gatenplant
Eo: Serimao
Fi: Jättipeikonlehti
Fr: Cériman, Liane percée, Faux philodendron, Anana du pauvre, Ananas de Mexico, Monstère délicieux, Ananas du pauvre
De: Philodendron, Großes Fensterblatt, Köstliches Fensterblatt, Kostlicher kolbenrisse, Kleines Fensterblatt
Hu: Könnyezőpálma
It: Monstera
Ko: 몬스테라
No: Adams ribbein
Fa: برگ انجیری
Pt: Banana-de-macaco, Costela-de-adão, Ananas-japonês, Banana de brejo, Banana de macao, Banana do mato, Deliciosa, Fruta de México, Tornélia
Pt-br: Banana-do-brejo, Banana-do-mato
Ru: Монстера деликатесная
Sr: Монстера
Es: Piñanona monstera, Balazos, Harpón, Chirrivaca, Costilla de Adán, Hoja de piedra, Mano de tigre, Piñanona., Monstera, Piñona, Cerimán, Balazo, Cerimán de México, Hojadillo, Huracán, Ojal, Piña anona
Sv: Monstera
Zh-tw: 龜背芋
Th: พลูฉีก
To: Monesitela
Zh-hant: 龜背竹
Uk: Монстера делікатесна
Yi: מאנסטער פרוכט
Synonyms
- Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana ((K.Koch) Engl.)
- Monstera borsigiana (K.Koch)
- Philodendron anatomicum (Kunth & C.D.Bouché)
- Tornelia fragrans (Gutierrez ex Schott)
- Philodendron fenestratum (Linden)
- Monstera deliciosa var. sierrana (G.S.Bunting)
- Monstera lenneana (K.Koch)
- Philodendron pertusum (Kunth & C.D.Bouché)
Distribution
- Guatemala (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Ascension (introduced)
- Azores (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 4, 2019 by Monika Suba (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2018 by jim (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2021 by RP GadgetFixer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 21, 2017 by Martin Barajas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 31, 2019 by Ricardo Dinis (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 6, 2020 by Max Max Roosens (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 7, 2018 by Bartek p (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Foula Iona (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 20, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Sulla Mino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2020 by kyllian fougerolles (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Michael Goddard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2016 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 8, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2018 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by mohammad fazel dehkordi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Andrea Branca (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Annon201 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 2, 2010 by EOL − Malcolm Tattersall (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2020 by Vibhuti Singh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Alina S (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2017 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 27, 2019 by Carvalho Miguel (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2868241)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:87478-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Monstera deliciosa Liebm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb
