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Anthurium
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Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameAnthurium
DescriptionExotic tropical plant featuring a distinctive heart-shaped, glossy spathe (modified leaf) in vibrant red, pink, white, orange, or purple surrounding a central finger-like spadix covered with tiny true flowers. The waxy, lacquered appearance of the spathe gives it an artificial, almost plastic-like quality that lasts for weeks. Popular houseplant and cut flower valued for its striking appearance and remarkably long-lasting blooms.
FamilyAraceae
GenusAnthurium
TribeAnthurieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula⊕ ⚥ P(4) A4 G(2-3)

Radially symmetrical, bisexual, perianth of 4 fused tepals (no distinction between sepals and petals), 4 stamens, 2-3 fused carpels with superior ovary. This formula describes individual tiny flowers on the spadix, not the showy spathe

Features
  • Name 'Anthurium' derives from Greek 'anthos' (flower) and 'oura' (tail), referring to the tail-like spadix that emerges from the colorful spathe. The common name 'Flamingo Flower' comes from the curved spadix resembling a flamingo's neck
  • What appears to be the flower is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, while the true flowers are tiny and densely packed on the protruding spadix. Spathes have a waxy, glossy texture and can last 6-8 weeks on the plant or 2-3 weeks as cut flowers
  • Evergreen perennial that can be epiphytic (growing on trees) or terrestrial. Blooms year-round in ideal conditions, with each plant producing new flowers every few months. Some species grown primarily for ornamental foliage
  • Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and wide, depending on variety. Can live 5-10 years or more as houseplant with proper care. Propagated by division or from seed, though seed-grown plants take 2-3 years to bloom
  • Native to tropical rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern South America, where they grow as epiphytes in tree canopies or on forest floors in deep shade
  • Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light conditions. Prefers warm temperatures (65-80°F) and high humidity (60-80%). Requires well-draining, porous potting mix. Sensitive to overwatering and cold drafts
  • Excellent air-purifying plant that removes formaldehyde, ammonia, and xylene from indoor air. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if ingested by pets or humans, causing mouth irritation

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificAnthurium andraeanum
English (Alternate)Flamingo Flower, Tailflower, Painter's Palette, Oilcloth Flower, and Laceleaf
Hindiएंथुरियम (Anthurium), लाल पौधा (Lal Paudha), एंथुरियम लाल पौधा (Anthurium Lal Paudha)
Tamilஅந்துரியம் (Anthurium)
Teluguఅంథోరియం (Anthoriyam), అంథోరియం ఎర్రబంగారు సస్యము (Anthurium Errabangaru Sasayamu), అంథోరియం చాక్లెట్ మొక్క మొక్క (Anthurium Chaklet Mokka Mokka)
Malayalamആന്തൂറിയം (ānthūriyam)
Kannada ಅಂತೂರಿಯಮ್ (anthuriyam), ಆಂಥೂರಿಯಂ ಚಾಕೊಲೇಟ್ ಸಸ್ಯ ಸಸಿ (anthuriyam chacolate sasya sasi)
Sanskritफ्लेमिंगो लिली (flemingo lili), चित्रकारस्य पॅलेट (chitrakarasya pallet)
Bengaliঅ্যান্থুরিয়াম (Anthurium), ফ্ল্যামিংগো ফুল (Flamingo flower), টেল ফুল (Tail flower)
FrenchAnthurium, flamingo flower, flame tongue
RussianАнтуриум (An'turiym)
Spanishanturio
GermanGrosse flamingoblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.