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
Anthurium salvinii
Salvin's Anthurium
Hemsl.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A spectacular, massive rosette-forming epiphytic or lithophytic plant. It features enormous, leathery, lanceolate green leaves that can exceed two meters in length, growing in a tight rosette structure that resembles a bird's nest. From the base, it produces striking, dangling purplish spadix inflorescences.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
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.Anthurium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Hemsl.
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 tropical wet forests and lower montane forests of southern Mexico and Central America. It thrives in high-humidity zones, typically growing on large host tree trunks or clinging to steep rocky cliffs at low to moderate elevations.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
Acts as an environmental accumulator. Its vast funnel-shaped structure hosts intricate micro-ecosystems inside, accumulating leaf litter, supporting beneficial insect larvae, and trapping moisture used by other small companion organisms.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)
100.0 - 250.0 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 'bird's nest' arrangement of its giant leaves functions as a natural funnel, efficiently catching falling organic debris and rainwater, which decomposes at the plant's base to provide essential nutrients in nutrient-poor arboreal settings.
Develops a thick, highly sponge-like mass of specialized aerial roots at the base covered in velamen, which allows the plant to quickly absorb large volumes of flash rainwater and store atmospheric humidity.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Severe habitat loss driven by tropical forest conversion to industrial agriculture, cattle ranching, and localized human expansion.
Heavy pressure from illegal botanical collecting in the wild, as market-ready specimens command premium prices in the exotic landscape and international nursery trades.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Due to its colossal rosette size and weight, mature specimens that slide off weathered tree trunks can successfully establish themselves as lithophytes on the forest floor below and continue growing without issues.