Fauna
Plant

Goosefoot-plant

Syngonium podophyllum

Also known as Arrowhead Vine, Arrowhead Plant, Nephthytis, African Evergreen

Arrowhead vines start life as creeping groundcover with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves before climbing trees into the canopy, where mature leaves split into complex multi-lobed forms. Native to tropical American rainforests, this vigorous grower uses aerial roots to anchor onto host trees while adapting seamlessly to low-light indoor environments. Outside its native range, escaped foliage quickly smothers native understory plants in humid subtropical climates.

Climbing VineHouseplantTropical
Goosefoot-plant reference1 / 7
(c) Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skjold Søndergaard · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Spider Mites
  • Scale Insects
ThreatsHabitat loss in native range; invasive in non-native tropical environments
HabitatsTropical rainforests, humid woodlands, urban gardens, indoor spaces
Life spanPerennial (10–20+ years)
Classification
  1. OrderAlismatales
  2. FamilyAraceae
  3. GenusSyngonium
  4. SpeciesSyngonium podophyllum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral pain, burning, swelling, and drooling if chewed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by arrow-shaped juvenile leaves, trailing stems, and milky white sap released when stems are cut.
What to do
Position pots out of reach of domestic pets and wash hands immediately after pruning.
Responsible observation
  • Light Exposure: Provide bright, indirect light indoors to maintain leaf variegation and healthy growth.
  • Pruning Safety: Wear gloves when cutting stems to prevent skin irritation from the milky sap.
  • Invasive Control: Avoid planting outdoors in frost-free regions where vines can smother local habitats.
Related species
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