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
Anthurium watermaliense
Black Anthurium
L.H.Bailey & N.E.Br.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An extraordinary, clump-forming tropical perennial plant that grows predominantly as an epiphyte or lithophyte. It is world-renowned for its dramatic, ovate-subcordate inflorescence consisting of a thick, waxy, deeply corrugated spathe displaying an intense, dark purple-black to chocolate-black coloration. The central, tapering spadix transitions from dark purple to yellowish-green at maturity. It features large, semi-erect, deeply dynamic triangular-lanceolate or rosette-arranged dark green leaves with prominent pale veins.
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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.Anthurium
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L.H.Bailey & N.E.Br.
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 premontane wet forests, cloud forests, and damp lower montane environments of Central America and northwestern South America, with notable concentrations in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It thrives in hyper-humid, shaded situations, growing anchored onto mossy tree branches or steep, organic-littered rocky cliffs at elevations between 600 and 1,800 meters above sea level.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
Functions as a long-lived epiphyte or lithophyte forming structural nesting rosettes. It effectively collects falling organic detritus and leaf litter inside its upward-pointing petioles, creating localized compost zones that feed its roots and help sustain its high moisture requirements.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)
30.0 - 90.0 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
Possesses a highly specialized, dense aerial root system covered with a spongy, water-absorbent velamen layer that rapidly captures atmospheric moisture, condensation, and dissolved nutrients from the surrounding cloud forest air.
The thick, waxy, dark-pigmented spathe contains high concentrations of anthocyanins to withstand constant rainfall damage, maintaining structural integrity for several months to maximize successful reproductive cycles in low-light understories.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Wild localized colonies are selectively impacted by local habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion and road building in cloud forests. Additionally, it suffers occasionally from illegal poaching by rare plant collectors, though greenhouse micropropagation alleviates global market pressure.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The specific epithet 'watermaliense' refers to Watermael, a historic residential town near Brussels, Belgium, where the unique plant was cultivated and evaluated in European botanical collections during the early 20th century.
In several Central American regions, Anthurium watermaliense is dramatically known as 'Fleur du diable' or 'Flor del diablo' (Devil's flower) due to its ominous, glossy jet-black inflorescence structures.