ARACEAE

The Araceae or arum family comprises some 3000+ species of herbaceous plants that are distributed across the tropical and temperate regions of the world. Araceae has a unique flower cluster called the spadix, which comprises a modified leaf called spathe that shields male flower at the top, and female at the bottom. The spadix of some species can generate heat to attract insect pollinators. The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) can grow ten feet tall, it is currently the largest flower in the world. Araceae plants like elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus spp.) and taro (Colacasia spp.) have rhizomes or tubers that are edible after processing. Other Araceae plants such as Aglaonema, Calathea, Caladium and Philodendron are valued as ornamental indoor plants. Almost all Araceae plants are poisonous due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Calcium oxalate causes intense irritation to the eye, oral cavity, and gastrointestinal tract. Hence, the dumbcane (Dieffenbachia spp.) was used by early American colonisers to punish unruly slaves by inducing inability to swallow and speak! Instances of eye injury and/or accidental pediatric poisoning due to Araceae are well-documented.

 

Peace lily (Spatiphyllum wallisii). Note the characteristic spadix structure.

The dumbcane (Dieffenbachia seguine) is one the most harmful indoor plant belonging to the Araceae family. 

 

Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). Once a coveted indoor plant, this species was erroneously claimed to be deadly by numerous health hoaxes.

The mouse yam (Typhonium blumei) is used traditionally as an anti-cancer herbal remedy. However, there is no evidence for its efficacy, and it can be quite poisonous.

Schismatoglottis sp. Native to northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Pothos scandens. Native to Peninsular Malaysia.