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
Syngonium podophyllum
Arrowhead Plant
Schott, 1851
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A versatile evergreen climbing hemi-epiphytic vine. It displays pronounced heterophylly; juvenile leaves are simple, sagittate (arrowhead-shaped), and often variegated, while mature leaves turn solid green and divide into 3 to 11 distinct pedate leaflets along a thick, climbing stem.
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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.Syngonium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Schott, 1851
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 to tropical rainforests, premontane moist forests, and wet lowlands from Mexico through Central America into South America. It thrives in shaded, high-humidity forest floors before climbing host trees, and adapts easily to disturbed secondary forests.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
Operates as a flexible structural parasite (hemi-epiphyte). It begins life germinating on the damp forest floor, creeps along towards dark shadows (skototropism) until it encounters a vertical trunk, then reverses growth upward towards light.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)
300.0 - 1500.0 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
Utilizes adaptive heterophylly, shifting its leaf shape dramatically from juvenile shade-tolerant arrowheads to mature divided multi-lobed structures to maximize light interception as it climbs into higher canopy layers.
Produces abundant adventitious aerial roots along nodes that serve a dual purpose: securing a powerful physical anchor onto mossy host bark and actively absorbing atmospheric moisture and nutrients.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
No significant conservation threats; the species is highly resilient and adaptive. However, in localized contexts outside its native range, it can become an aggressive invasive weed that faces eradication efforts.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
All tissues contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals (raphides). If ingested, these crystals act as a potent defense mechanism against herbivores, causing intense oral burning, swelling, and gastrointestinal distress.