Plant · GBIF taxon 9689104
Tree Philodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidumAlso known as Lacy Tree Philodendron, Split-leaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Selloum
Tree Philodendron produces massive, deeply lobed leaves that unfurl from a central trunk lined with distinctive eye-shaped leaf scars. Native to South American rainforests, this sprawling evergreen generates thick aerial roots to anchor itself and absorb moisture from humid air. In warm landscapes, it forms dramatic focal points while generating internal heat to attract night-flying beetle pollinators.
TropicalEvergreenFoliage
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight, moisture, and soil nutrients
Predators
- Slugs
- Scale insects
- Mealybugs
ThreatsFreezing temperatures, extreme drought, habitat loss
HabitatsSubtropical forests, rainforest margins, urban landscapes
Life span20–50+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAlismatales
- FamilyAraceae
- GenusThaumatophyllum
- SpeciesThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; wear gloves when handling cut stems and keep away from pets.
- Why it is dangerous
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in tissue and sap cause severe mouth pain, swelling, and skin dermatitis upon contact.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for thick woody trunks with eye-shaped leaf scars and massive glossy leaves with deep wave-like lobes.
- What to do
- Wear protective gloves when pruning, avoid touching eyes after handling cut stems, and keep pets away from leaves.
Responsible observation
- Pruning Caution: Wear heavy gloves and eye protection when trimming leaves to prevent sap contact.
- Pet Safety: Keep potted specimens out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
- Garden Placement: Provide at least two meters of clearance to allow full leaf expansion.
Former Genus Mate (c) Brittany Savoie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Brittany Savoie · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Taishuwmdiar, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Arum Relative (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux · cc-by
Family Member (c) Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skjold Søndergaard · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.