PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Monstera adansonii
Adanson's Monstera
Schott
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tropical, evergreen climbing vine famous for its glossy, elliptical green leaves that develop large, dramatic oval holes (fenestrations) within the leaf blade. It uses thick aerial roots to cling onto trees and climb toward the forest canopy.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Alismatales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Araceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Monstera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Schott
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, as well as parts of the West Indies. It thrives in the humid, warm understory, growing hemiepiphytically on tree trunks under the filtered light of the upper canopy.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It displays negative phototropism (skototropism) as a juvenile seedling, meaning it grows toward darkness or shadows to actively locate and climb the nearest large tree trunk.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 600.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The famous holes in the leaves (fenestrations) allow high winds from tropical storms to pass through without tearing the foliage, and maximize the leaf area to catch dappled sunlight without requiring excess metabolic energy.
Utilizes vigorous dimorphic growth, developing strong, clinging aerial roots that absorb moisture directly from the humid air and tightly anchor the vine to host trees as it climbs.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and fragmentation of its native tropical rainforest habitats due to logging, infrastructure development, and conversion to agricultural land.
Unsustainable localized wild harvesting for the global houseplant trade, although most commercially available plants are now mass-propagated via cuttings.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike some plants whose holes develop as they get damaged, Monstera adansonii leaves grow out of the stem with pre-formed fenestrations that just expand as the leaf unfolds.