About
This species, *Anthurium clarinervium*, is notable for its striking, deeply-lobed foliage and unique reticulate venation, which gives the leaves a distinctive 'skeleton' appearance. It is an aroid perennial that naturally grows as an epiphyte in shaded, elevated forest environments.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant has deeply-lobed, ovate leaves with a velvety, deep forest green surface. The reticulate venation is prominent, varying in color from ivory to light green, and the veins are typically 1 cm in width. It produces orange berries containing numerous seeds, and grows atop stems that are 1–2 cm thick.
Distribution & habitat
Found naturally in shaded regions of Mexico’s limestone ledges, specifically in wet disturbed forests and elevated cloudy environments, ranging from 760–1,160 m.
Cultivation notes
Requires bright, indirect sunlight and prefers temperatures between 70–80 °F (21–27 °C) with high humidity (optimally 75–85%). It thrives in aerated, loose soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. It is an epiphyte and can tolerate various habitats, though it struggles in thick clay soil.
History & etymology
First discovered in the 1950s in a small region of southern Mexico. The species name is associated with its appearance, as the leaf veins resemble a ribcage (Esqueleto is Spanish for skeleton).
Habitat
- Altitude
- Not recorded
- Altitude class
- —
- Native to
- Mexico
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate