Re: [Aroid-l] Philodendron 'Santa Leopoldina'

**&* B* <j*@msn.com>**

From: Bluesea <chammer@cfl.rr.com>
Reply-To: Discussion of aroids <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
To: Discussion of aroids <aroid-l@gizmoworks.com>
Subject: Re: [Aroid-l] Philodendron 'Santa Leopoldina'
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2007 12:50:35 -0500

Based on the photos I've seen of P. spiritus-sancti ('Santa Leopoldina')

and all the other philodendrons erroneously called 'Santa Leopoldina',

there can be no mistaking the real thing based on the strikingly narrow

leaf blade length to width ratio. To my mind the only philodendron that

can legitimately be called 'Santa Leopoldina' is the one the Brazilian

locals have endeared with this name for perhaps centuries. And that plant

is P. spiritus-sancti.

There is no argument whatever to be made regarding 'first publishing

rights' of the name 'Santa Leopoldina' since it is not a scientific name

under the control of botanical nomenclature.

In any case, those who have labeled these various species and hybrids with

the name are in error, including Graf. The name 'Santa Leopoldina' comes

originally from the Brazilian people of the P. spiritus-sancti habitat,

they coined it for this particular plant, so it cannot be placed on any

other philodendron. I do understand there are a couple of forms of

spiritus-sancti with minor physical differences, such as reddish reverse.

But almost without exception, the philodendrons being erroneously called

'Santa Leopoldina' have little physical similarity to the real

spiritus-sancti, and can be dismissed very easily.

Russ
central Florida

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