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
Dieffenbachia seguine
Dumbcane
(Jacq.) Schott, 1832
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, erect evergreen perennial herb with a thick, fleshy, cane-like unbranched stem. It features large, ovate-oblong, glossy green leaves that are characteristically variegated with irregular spots, streaks, or blotches of white, cream, or pale yellow along the lateral veins.
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.Dieffenbachia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Jacq.) Schott, 1832
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 the humid, shaded understory of tropical rainforests, swamps, and riverbanks across the Caribbean, Central America, and tropical South America. It thrives in moist, well-draining soils rich in organic matter under filtered light or deep shade.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 dense understory ground element. It frequently propagates via vegetative means; when elderly canes collapse onto the moist forest floor due to heavy rain or wind, adventitious roots readily form at the nodes, establishing new independent clonal patches.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)
60.0 - 300.0 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 toxic chemical defense strategy involving microscopic, needle-like calcium oxalate crystals called raphides, combined with proteolytic enzymes. When tissues are damaged, these raphides mechanically shoot into oral membranes, causing immediate intense burning, severe swelling, and temporary vocal paralysis.
Features broad leaf blades with optimized chlorophyll distribution and specialized epidermal cells that effectively capture and redirect minimal ambient light wavelengths within the deeply shaded lower stratas of dense forest canopies.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
There are no major threats directed toward this species. It is remarkably robust, widely naturalized outside its native range, and highly prolific due to its vegetative regeneration capacity, though wild populations suffer from severe local habitat fragmentation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The English common name 'Dumbcane' refers to the temporary loss of speech experienced by humans or animals that chew on its toxic stem or leaves, caused by intense tongue swelling and vocal cord irritation.