Aglaonema simplex

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Aglaonema simplex
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Aglaonema
Species:
A. simplex
Binomial name
Aglaonema simplex
(Blume) Blume[2]

Aglaonema simplex, also known as the Malayan sword (Indonesian: kering, Javanese: wetune, Malay: penggeheh, Chinese: 常青粗肋草) is a perennial[3] species of flowering plant in the family Araceae.[4] It is native to Southeast Asia.[5][1]

The specific epithet simplex derives from the Latin word for "single", referring to the fact that the species is single-stemmed.[5]

Description

Flowers

The Malayan sword is a shrubby plant that grows to about 0.2 to 1.2 m (7.9 in to 3 ft 11.2 in) tall with straight stems. Its dark-green leaves are arranged spirally. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a length between 10 – 35 cm and a width between 1.9 – 25 cm, and sunken veins. The fruits are red and ovoid. The seeds are possibly dispersed by mammals and birds.[5][6]

Its flowers are enclosed in a very greenish-white leaf. They are also a monoecious species. They are pollinated by carrion insects.[5]

This species grows relatively slowly. They are suited to moist, well-drained soil although they are tolerant to waterlogging. They prefer to be situated in shaded areas. In addition, they can be propagated with cuttings. They begin to flower between late summer and early autumn.[5][7][3]

This species contains 20 chromosomes. It also has a high amount of variation, with some individuals having narrow leaves, while others have broad leaves.[8]

Distribution

This flower is usually found wet tropical and sub-tropical forests and freshwater swamps in Bangladesh, Yunnan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.[2] They can be found at elevations between 0 - 1500m.[1][5][6]

Status

The Aglaonema simplex is listed as least concern by the IUCN. While this species is abundant, its native habitat is threatened by deforestation for wood harvesting and wood plantations.[1]

Uses

Toxicity

References

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