Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Type: Article
Published: 2026-04-17
Page range: 1-37
Abstract views: 0
PDF downloaded: 0

Philodendron subg. Philodendron (Araceae) from the State of Rio de Janeiro: diversity and taxonomy

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica, Escola Nacional de Botânica Tropical, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, R. Pacheco Leão 2040, 22460-036, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Diretoria de Pesquisa, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, R. Pacheco Leão 915, 22460-040, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Diretoria de Pesquisa, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, R. Pacheco Leão 915, 22460-040, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Atlantic forest Geographic Distribuition Taxonomic Review Monocots

Abstract

The neotropical genus Philodendron is widely distributed in Brazil, with a presence in almost all States, except for the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Compared to other states in the Southeast region, the State of Rio de Janeiro is smaller in area, but it has the most preserved Atlantic Forest. The species of the subgenus Philodendron are characterized by being hemiepiphytic herbs with a spadix inflorescence implied by a spathe, with the intermediate sterile zone smaller than the male fertile zone. The present study focuses on the morphology and taxonomy of the subgenus Philodendron in the State of Rio de Janeiro, providing an identification key, species descriptions, geographic distribution data, phenology, comments, and conservation status. Twenty-one species were recognized within the state and classified into four different sections: Baursia, Macrobelium, Philodendron, and Schizophyllum. Seven of these species were assessed as belonging to some category of threat, and a new species was described. Two species, Philodendron acutatum, and Philodendron curvilobum, were excluded from the flora as they were found not to occur in the state. Philodendron inops was considered endemic to the municipality of Petrópolis, while Philodendron imbe was regarded as a doubtful species, as it was not found in its natural habitat.

References

  1. Bachman, S., Moat, J., Hill, A.V., De La Torre, J. & Scott, B. (2011) Supporting Red List threat assessments with GeoCAT: geospatial conservation assessment tool. ZooKeys 150: 117–126. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.150.2109
  2. Barroso, G.M. (1957) Araceae novae. Archivos do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro 15: 87–112.
  3. Baumgratz, J.F.A., Coelho, M.A.N., Peixoto, A.L., Mynssen, C.M., Bediaga, B.E.H., Costa, D.P., Dalcin, E., Guimarães, E.F., Martinelli, G., Silva, D.S.P., Sylvestre, L.S., Freitas, M.F., Morim, M.P. & Forzza, R.C. (2014) Catalog of Vascular Plant Species and Bryophytes from the State of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute. Available from: http://florariojaneiro.jbrj.gov.br/ (accessed 20 October 2020)
  4. Bergallo, H.G., Fidalgo, E.C.C., Rocha, C.F.D., Uzêda, M.C., Costa, M.B., Alves, M.A.S., Sluys, M.V., Santos, M.A. & Cozzolino, A.C.R. (2009) Strategies and actions for the conservation of Biodiversity in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Biomas Institute, Rio de Janeiro, 344 pp.
  5. Boyce, P., Croat, T. & Hay, A. (2025 onwards) The Überlist of Araceae: Totals for Published and Estimated Number of Species in Aroid Genera. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24068.64646
  6. Braun, A., Klotzsch, J.F., Koch, K. & Bouché, P.C. (1853) Appendix Specierum novarum et minus cognitarum quae in Horto Regio Botanico Berolinensi coluntur. In: Index Seminum in Horto Botanico Berolinensis...Collectorum 1853. Appendix. pp. 1–14.
  7. Calazans, L.S.B., Antas, N.G. & Sakuragui, C.M. (2015) Philodendron luisae (Araceae), a new species from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Botanical Studies 56: 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40529-015-0082-x
  8. Carauta, J.P.P. (1989) Ficus (Moraceae) no Brasil: Conservação e taxonomia. Albertoa 2: 317–322.
  9. Coelho, M.A.N. & Mayo, S.J. (1998) Five new species of the genus Philodendron Schott for Brazil. Botany Bulletin 17: 47–60. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9052.v17i0p47-60
  10. Coelho, M.A.N. (2000) Philodendron Schott (Araceae): morphology and taxonomy of species from the Macaé de Cima Ecological Reserve—Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rodriguésia 51 (78/79): 21–68. https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-7860200051787902
  11. Coelho, M.A.N. & Sakuragui, C.M. (2007) A new species of Philodendron Schott (Araceae) from Brazil. Kew Bulletin 62: 629–631.
  12. Coelho, M.A.N. (2010) The Araceae family in Vale Natural Reserve, Linhares, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Bulletin of the Mello Leitão Museum of Biology 28: 41–87.
  13. Croat, T.B. & Bunting, G.S. (1979) Standardization of Anthurium descriptions. Aroideana 2 (1): 15–25.
  14. Ellis, B., Daly, D.C., Hickey, L.J., Johnson, K.R., Mitchell, J.D., Wilf, P. & Wing, S.L. (2009) Manual of leaf architecture. The New York Botanical Garden Press, New York, 190 pp. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781845935849.0000
  15. Engler, H.G.A. (1899) Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Araceae. IX. Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 26: 509–572.
  16. Engler, A. & Krause, K. (1913) Araceae-Philodendroideae-Philodendrinae. Das Pflanzenreich Regni vegetabilis conspectus 60 (IV 23Db): 1–143.
  17. Flora e Funga do Brasil (2022) Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro. Available from: http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br (accessed 8 November 2022)
  18. Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation (2002) Atlas of the evolution of Atlantic Forest Remnants, period 1995–2000: final report. São Paulo, Fundação S.O.S. Atlantic Forest/INPE
  19. Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation (2017) Atlas of forest remnants in the Atlantic Forest, period 2015–2016. Technical report, 69 pp.
  20. Guedes-Bruni, R.R., Morim, M.P., Lima, H.C. & Sylvestre, L.S. (2002) Floristic inventory. In: Sylvestre, L.S. & Rosa, M.M.T. (eds.) Methodological manual for botanical studies in the Atlantic Forest. Edur, Seropédica, RJ.
  21. Hooker, W.J. (1827) Exotic Flora, Containing Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare or Otherwise Interesting Exotic Plants...with Remarks Upon Their Generic and Specific Characters, Natural Orders, History, Culture, Time of Flowering, &c. Vol. 3. William Blackwood, Edinburgh.
  22. Hooker, J.D. (1885) Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, comprising the plants of the Royal Gardens of Kew, ando f other botanical establishments in Great Britain; with suitable descriptions. L. Reeve & Co., London.
  23. IBGE (2014) Ecosystem accounts: species threatened with extinction in Brazil: 2014. Instituto Brasileiro de Gografia e Estatística, Rio de Janeiro, 132 pp.
  24. IUCN (2012) International Union for Conservation of Nature. Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional and National Levels: version 4.0. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, 41 pp.
  25. Koch, K. (1854) Aroidea novae et minus cognitae auctore C. Koch. In: Index seminum in horto botanico Berolinensi anno 1854. Appendix generum et specierum novarum et minus cognitarum, in horto regio botanico berolinensi coluntur 1854. Berlin, pp. 2–10.
  26. Koch, K. (1855) Aroideae novae et criticae auctore C. Koch. In: Index Seminum. Berlin, pp. 2–8.
  27. Kunth, K.S. (1841) Enumeratio Plantarum Omnium Hucusque Cognitarum. Stuttgart e Tübingen, Germany, 49 pp.
  28. Maguire, B. & collaborators (1948) Plant explorations in Guiana in 1944, chiefly to the Tafelberg and the Kaieteur Plateau—VI. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 75: 633–671. https://doi.org/10.2307/2482346
  29. Martius, C.F.P. de (1878) Flora Brasiliensis, enumeratio plantarum in Brasilia hactenus detectarum :quas suis aliorumque botanicorum studiis descriptas et methodo naturali digestas partim icone illustratas. Vol. 3. pt. 2.
  30. Mattos, J.R., Coelho, M.A.N. & Baumgratz, J.F.A. (2023) New species of Philodendron (Araceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Rodriguésia 74: e01652021. https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-7860202374004
  31. Mayo, S.J. (1987) Aspects of the evolution and geography of the genus Philodendron Schott (Araceae). Acta Botanica Brasilica 1 (2 suppl. 1): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-33061987000300004
  32. Mayo, S.J. (1990) History and infrageneric nomenclature of Philodendron (Araceae). Kew Bulletin 45: 1–24. https://doi.org/10.2307/4114436
  33. Mayo, S.J., Bogner, J. & Boyce, P.C. (1997) The Genera of Araceae. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 370 pp.
  34. Moraes, L., Negrão, R. & Wimmer, F. (2018) Philodendron alternans Schott (Araceae) in Lista Vermelha da Flora Brasileira: Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora / Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Available from: https://cncflora.jbrj.gov.br/ficha/5019 (accessed 3 October 2025)
  35. Moraes, L., Negrão, R. & Wimmer, F. (2021) Philodendron fragile Nadruz & Mayo (Araceae) in Lista Vermelha da Flora Brasileira: Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora / Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Available from: https://cncflora.jbrj.gov.br/ficha/5036 (accessed 3 October 2025)
  36. Moraes, L., Negrão, R. (2017) Philodendron luisae Calazans (Araceae) in Lista Vermelha da Flora Brasileira: Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora / Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Available from: https://cncflora.jbrj.gov.br/ficha/581861 (accessed 3 October 2025)
  37. Moraes, L., Negrão, R. & Wimmer, F. (2017) Philodendron millerianum Nadruz & Sakur (Araceae) in Lista Vermelha da Flora Brasileira: Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora / Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Available from: https://cncflora.jbrj.gov.br/ficha/5047 (accessed 3 October 2025)
  38. Moraes, L., Negrão, R., Wimmer, F. & Moraes, M. (2017) Philodendron nadruzianum Sakur (Araceae) in Lista Vermelha da Flora Brasileira. Centro Nacional de Conservação da Flora / Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Available from: https://cncflora.jbrj.gov.br/ficha/122314 (accessed 3 October 2025)
  39. Nadruz, M., Moraes, L., Wimmer, F., Menezes, V., Amorim, T. & Novaes, L. (2018) Araceae. In: Martinelli, G., Martins, E., Moraes, M., Loyola, R. & Amaro, R. (Org.) Livro Vermelho da Flora Endêmica do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. pp. 138–144.
  40. Nadruz Coelho, M.A. & Mayo, S.J. (1998) Five new species of the genus Philodendron Schott for Brazil. Botany Bulletin 17: 47–60. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9052.v17i0p47-60
  41. Nadruz Coelho, M.A. & Sakuragui, C.M. (2008) A new species of Philodendron Schott (Araceae) from Brazil—correction. Kew Bulletin 63: 351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12225-008-9025-y
  42. Nadruz, M., Sakuragui, C.M. & Calazans, L. (2014) Araceae. Catalog of vascular plant and bryophyte species in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute. Available from: http://florariojaneiro.jbrj.gov.br (accessed 27 March 2020)
  43. Pinto, L.P., Bedê, L., Paese, A., Fonseca, M., Paglia, A. & Lamas, I. (2006) Brazilian Atlantic Forest: challenges for biodiversity conservation in a global hotspot. In: Rocha, C.F.D., Bergallo, H.G., Sluys, M.V. & Alves, M.A.S. (eds.) Conservation Biology: essences. São Carlos, RiMa, pp. 91–118.
  44. Rambaldi, D.M., Magnani, A., Ilha, A., Lardosa, E., Figueiredo, P. & Oliveira, R.F. (2003) The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve in the State of Rio de Janeiro. RBMA States and Regions Series. Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve Notebook: CNRBMA.
  45. Regel, E.A. (1855) Index Seminum. St. Petersburg (Petropolitanus), 21 pp.
  46. Rendle, A.B. (1901) A new Philodendron. Journal of Botany, British and Foreign 39: 277–278.
  47. Sakuragui, C.M., Mayo, S.J. & Zappi, D.C. (2005) Taxonomic revision of Brazilian species of Philodendron section Macrobelium. Kew Bulletin 60: 465–513.
  48. Sakuragui, C.M., Calazans, L.S.B., Morais, E.B., Coelho, M.A.N. & Pellegrini, M.O.O. (2011) Diversity and conservation of Philodendron Schott (Araceae) in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Feddes Repertorium 122 (7–8): 472–496. https://doi.org/10.1002/fedr.201200014
  49. Sakuragui, C.M. (2012) Two new species and a revised key for Philodendron Section Schizophyllum (Araceae). Systematic Botany 37: 43–47. https://doi.org/10.1600/036364412X616611
  50. Sakuragui, C.M., Calazans, L.S.B., Oliveira, L.L., Morais, E.B., Benko-Iseppon, A.M., Vasconcelos, S., Schrago, C.E.G. & Mayo, S.J. (2018) Recognition of the genus Thaumatophyllum Schott − formerly Philodendron subg. Meconostigma (Araceae) − based on molecular and morphological evidence. PhytoKeys 98: 51–71. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.98.25044
  51. Semads (2001) Atlas of nature conservation units in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Metabooks, São Paulo, 48 pp.
  52. Schott, H.W. (1853) Pflanzenskizzen. Oesterreichisches Botanisches Wochenblatt 3: 378. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02054083
  53. Schott, H.W. (1855) Pflanzenskizzen. Oesterreichisches Botanisches Wochenblatt 5: 289–290. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02057772
  54. Schott, H.W. (1856) Synopsis Aroidearum: complectens enumerationem systematicam generum et specierum hujus ordinis. Typis Congregationis Mechitharisticae, Vindobonae, 140 pp.
  55. Schott, H.W. (1859a) Aroideenskizzen. Bonplandia. Zeitschrift für die gesammte Botanik 7: 26–31.
  56. Schott, H.W. (1859b) Aroideen-Skizzen. Oesterreichische Botanische Zeitschrift 9: 98–101. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02310393
  57. Schott, H.W. (1860) Prodromus systematis Aroidearum. Typis Congregationis Mechitharisticae, Vindobonae, 491 pp. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.68
  58. Schott, H.W. (1865) Beiträge zur Aroideenkunde. Oesterreichische Botanische Zeitschrift 15: 71–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01634548
  59. Schott, H. & Endlicher, S. (1832) Meletemata Botanica. Typis Caroli Gerold, Vindobonae. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.40101
  60. Silva, J.M.C. & Casteleti, C.H.M. (2005) Status of biodiversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In: Galindo-Leal, C. & Chamber, I.G. (eds.) Atlantic Forest: biodiversity, threats and perspectives. São Paulo, Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica, Belo Horizonte, Conservation International, pp. 43–60.
  61. Temponi, L.G., Garcia, F.C.P., Sakuragui, C.M. & Carvalho-Okano, R.M. (2005) Morphological diversity and life forms of Araceae in Rio Doce State Park, Minas Gerais. Rodriguesia 56 (88): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1590/2175-78602005568801
  62. Thiers, B. (2024 [continuously updated]) Index Herbariorum: A global directory of public herbaria and associated staff. New York Botanical Garden’s Virtual Herbarium. Available from: http://sweetgum.nybg.org/ih/ (accessed 2 March 2024)
  63. Vellozo, J.M.C. (1881) Gynandria Polyandria. In: Vellozo, J.M.C. (ed.) Flora Fluminensis. Archivos do Museu Nacional 5. pp. 385–391.

How to Cite

Mattos, J.R.D., Coelho, M.A.N. & Baumgratz, J.F.A. (2026) Philodendron subg. Philodendron (Araceae) from the State of Rio de Janeiro: diversity and taxonomy. Phytotaxa 752 (1): 1–37. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.752.1.1