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Aroids

>What exactly makes a specific plant an "aroid"?

Mother Nature is not as picky as humans are.  She does not require that a
'name' be put on everything, only we humans.  Therefore, taxonomy is an
artificial system developed by humans to 'put a name on every plant'.

Taxonomy has declared that Aroids must have two things...  A Spathe and a
Spadix to be classified as an Aroid.  A spathe is a modified leaf that
surrounds and in some cases protects the spadix.  The spadix is the portion
of the plant that has many - up to thousands - of very small flowers which,
if fertilized, will produce seed.  This combination, the spathe and spadix,
is called an inflorescence.  A plant must have these two parts to be
considered an Aroid.  Examples that more temperate dwelers might recognize
are the Arisaemas, commonly called "Jack-in-the-Pulpit".  A tropical plant
that many have in their home is the Spathiphyllum.  This is commonly called
a "Peace Lily" because of the white spathe.  Another tropical that grows
well in homes in the temperate areas is the Aglaonema.  It requires very
low light conditions and is ideal for the home or office..

Go to the International Aroid Society's Web Site for additional information
and pictures.  There are some excellent photos of Arisaema.

The URL again is: http://www.mobot.org/IAS/

Hope the above helps.
Dewey

Dewey E. Fisk, Plant Nut
THE PHILODENDRON PHREAQUE
Davie, Florida 33328
FAX:    (954) 680-0305
e-mail: plantnut@shadow.net
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