Arum (Family Araceae)

Araceae is a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants in which

flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence called a spadix. The

spadix is usually accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed

in, a spathe or leaf-like bract. Also known as the Arum Family, mem-

bers are often colloquially known as aroid.

This family of 107 genera and over 3700 species is most diverse in

the New World tropics, although also distributed in the Old World

tropics and north temperate regions.

The family includes many ornamental plants: Dieffenbachia,

Aglaonema, Caladium, Nephthytis, and Epipremnum, to name a

few. In Genus Cryptocoryne are many popular aquarium plants.

Both taro and Monstera deliciosa provide food value (the fruit of

Monstera deliciosa called "Mexican breadfruit"). Philodendron is

an important plant in the ecosystems of the rainforests and is often

used in home and interior decorating.

Back to Inventory of Herb/Forb Families and Species