Re: Philodendron variifolium Schott

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Dear Steve”

 

I don’t know how the Philodendron variifolium plant got confused with P. brandtianaum.  I have a photograph of drawing in my files of Poeppig 1281 or 1781 (I can’t read it well) and it is totally different.  While it resembles the plant that is on the tropicos website I know that it is different because I have seen lots of material that has leaves like this from that general area. It seems to me that this same plant was one of 2 or 3 collections with a Poeppig number part of which was P. deflexum.

 

Tom

 

 

Dear Steve,

 

          Here is Graf’s illustration entitled P. variifolium in Tropica, 3^rd edition. It does not to me appear to be the same as either of the 2 plants shown in your attachment. In particular, the brownish or reddish colouring of the emergent leaf is absent.

 

                                                                                                John.

 

 

Does anyone have a copy of the published description for Philodendron variifolium Schott?  Apparently this description was published in the Flora of Peru series 13 but I can't locate a copy. 

Also, if anyone has a copy of Graf's TROPICA or EXOTICA would you check and see if the plant on this page is shown in either of those books as being Philodendron variifolium?  For some time I've been trying to track down where this error originated although I am aware a beautiful plant was displayed some years ago at an IAS show and Sale that was incorrectly tagged.  Shortly after that happened Dr. Croat explained the name was incorrect and the correct name was in fact Philodendron brandtianum.

I'm not looking for the description of Philodendron brandtianum K. Krause which is the correct name for the plant in the photos on this page.  The real Philodendron variifolium looks nothing like the juvenile plant commonly sold on eBay using the name "Philodendron variifolium".  You can see the real Philodendron variifolium which has an elongated leaf blade on TROPICOS here:  http://www.tropicos.org/Name/2103366

I would also like to acquire a specimen of the real Philodendron variifolium so if anyone has a specimen you'll trade or sell or knows of a source please let me know.

Thanks!

Steve
www.ExoticRainforest.com

http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron%20variifolium%20pc.html

By the way, if you are an IAS member there are some great plants available for trade or the cost of postage on the IAS website.  Just click on  Trading Post if you are a member. www.Aroid.org