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| Synonyms: | Hydnostachyon Liebmann, 1849. |
| Massovia C. Koch, 1852. | |
| Spathiphyllopsis J. E. Teysmann & S. Binnendijk, 1863. | |
| Amomophyllum Engler, 1877. |
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Taxonomy: Spathiphyllum is placed in the tribe Spathiphylleae. In the past, Grayum (1990) assigned the tribe to the subfamily Pothoideae. Bogner and Nicolson (1991) placed the tribe in the subfamily Monsteroideae. Mayo et al. maintained this classification (1997).
D. H. Nicolson (1968) described the genus as follows:
Acaulescent, terrestrial herbs. Petiole elongate with more or less persistent sheath from half way or all the way to leaf-blade base, with swollen geniculum at the apex of the petiole. Leaf-blade lanceolate to ovate, with striate venation. Peduncle equaling or exceeding the petiole length. Spathe persistent, green to white, longer than the spadix. Spadix sessile to stipitate. Flowers bisexual, enveloped in a perigonium of connate tepals; stamens 6; pistil 3-locular with 1-7 ovules per locule. Seeds curved, smooth.
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Distribution & Habitat: Most of the species of the genus are neotropical; however, three species are found in the Old World. In the New World, species are found from southern Mexico and throughout Central America (including Cocos Island), south to Peru and, more or less, across the northern third of South America (including Trinidad) (Bunting, 1960). In the Old World, the distribution includes the Philippine and Molucca Islands, New Guinea, Palau, New Britian, and Solomon Islands (Nicolson, 1968). This unusual distribution is difficult to explain, and the center of origin of the genus is disputed. The various arguments are discussed by N. W. Williams and R. L. Dressler (1976).
According to T.B. Croat (1988), species of this genus are found in wet to swampy areas of forests, growing along streams, or open swampy areas. They are primarily terrestial plants, but they may, rarely, be hemiepiphytic or epilithic.
Cultivation: The cultural recommendations in The New York Botanical Garden Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horticulture (Everett, 1981) are as follows: The soil should be rich, well drained, and constantly moist. The humidity should be high, and the temperatures warm (Minimum temperatures should be between 60-70° F or 16-21° C). Plants should be "in good light, but with shade from strong sun." Anyone who observes indoor plants knows, however, that these plants can survive a wide range of conditions, as long as they are warm. Plants are easily propagated by divisions done in late winter or spring.
 | This web page was compiled by Dr. Paul M. Resslar, Professor of Biology, Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, Virginia. It was last revised on 28 May 1999. Please send me comments or questions about this page. |