PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Philodendron hederaceum
Heartleaf Philodendron
(Jacq.) Schott, 1829
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A classic evergreen climbing or trailing hemi-epiphytic vine. It features slender, flexible stems bearing distinct glossy, dark green, heart-shaped (cordate) juvenile leaves with long petioles. As it climbs into upper tree canopies, it develops drastically larger, thicker, and more elongated mature leaves.
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.Philodendron
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Jacq.) Schott, 1829
Record Completeness
66%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.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Primary Producer
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 throughout tropical America, spanning the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America. It thrives in humid tropical rainforests, premontane wet forests, and river banks, growing abundantly as an understory creeper and canopy climber.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 integrated vertical structural element in moist tropical networks. It weaves through multiple canopy zones using specialized aerial clasping roots, creating pathways for small arboreal vertebrates and providing continuous green shelter.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 - 2000.0 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
Employs negative phototropism (skototropism) in its early crawling stage, actively growing toward the darkest nearby shadows to locate and ascend supportive vertical tree trunks.
Features specialized leaf-surface structures and flexible petioles that rotate efficiently, preventing moisture accumulation from tropical downpours while optimizing light interception within dense, shaded forest lower-strata.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
No critical conservation threats exist; the species is highly adaptable and abundant. It faces localized pressure from intense agricultural land conversion and clear-cutting deforestation that disrupts primary forest host webs.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The heartleaf philodendron secretes sweet resin droplets from specialized extrafloral nectaries located along its petioles; this acts to recruit protective ant colonies that defend the vine against herbivorous insects.