Monstera
(derivation unexplained by Adanson, who gave the generic name). SYNS. Serangium, Tornelia. ORD. Aroideae (Araceae). A small genus (about twelve species have been described) of curious and ornamental stove evergreen climbers, all natives of the West Indian Islands and tropical America. Spathe deciduous; spadix deciduous, female flowers below, hermaphrodite ones above; stamens of the upper flowers with flattened filaments, and two-celled anthers, opening by a short lateral slit. Leaves stalked, entire or perforated with holes, ultimately divided at the margin; petioles sheathed at the base. Monsteras thrive well if planted out on a well-drained mound of rich soil, against the damp wall of a stove, to which they firmly attach themselves by their long aerial roots. It is only in large structures that they can be allowed to develop at will; in smaller houses, they do well in pots. They are readily propagated by cutting up the stems.
M. Adansonia (Adanson's). fl. yellow, white; spathe boat-shaped. May. l. obliquely ovate-cordate, pertuse. West Indies, 1752. (B. M. 5086.) M. deliciosa (delicious-fruited). fl. yellowish. Summer. fr. succulent, with a luscious pine-apple flavour. l. large, perforated in a singular manner, leathery. Mexico. A handsome plant for sub-tropical gardening. SYNS. Philodendron pertusum, Tornelia fragrans.