Plant · GBIF taxon 2868136
Swiss cheese-plant
Monstera adansoniiAlso known as Adanson's Monstera, Five Holes Plant, Monkey Mask Plant
Adanson's monstera climbs tropical forest trees using thick aerial roots, spreading its leaves toward the canopy light. Unlike its famous relative Monstera deliciosa, its distinctive leaf ovals remain completely enclosed within the leaf blade rather than splitting out to the margins. In the wild, it serves as crucial canopy microhabitat, capturing falling organic debris and moisture high above the forest floor.
ClimberTropicalEvergreen
Licensed reference(c) Aitor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Aitor · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
Not available
ThreatsHabitat Loss, Over-collecting
HabitatsTropical Rainforests, Lowland Forests
Life span20–50+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAlismatales
- FamilyAraceae
- GenusMonstera
- SpeciesMonstera adansonii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe oral irritation, throat swelling, and drooling if chewed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for heart-shaped, glossy green leaves filled with completely enclosed, oval-shaped natural holes.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when pruning tissue and keep potted specimens safely away from pets and young children.
Responsible observation
- Potted Support: Provide a sturdy moss pole or trellis to encourage larger leaf growth and natural climbing behavior.
- Lighting Needs: Position in bright, indirect sunlight to prevent leaf scorch on the thin, perforated foliage.
- Pet Precaution: Keep plants on high shelves or hanging baskets away from dogs and cats that chew foliage.
Close Relative (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux · cc-by
Arum Relative (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Arum Relative (c) Brittany Savoie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Brittany Savoie · cc-by
Arum Relative (c) scallions, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by scallions · cc-by
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