Philodendron esmeraldense Croat is a gorgeous, large growing epiphyte or terrestrial on steep banks. Petioles are broadly sulcate to narrowly and obtusely sulcate at base, terete to obtusely flattened midway, at apex terete,finely and closely striate throughout. semi glossy to weakly glossy and medium to dark green, firm and flexible, densely palelineate-striate, weakly asperous, sometimes finely ribbed transversely. Leaf blades narrowly ovate-elliptic, widest in lower half, gradually and narrowlyacuminate at apex, deeply lobed at base, sub coriaceous, dark green and matte; sub velvety above, moderately paler and moderately glossy below.
The species is named for the Esmeraldas Province in Ecuador where the species is one the most abundant and conspicuous species in the flora.
form the Modern Latin genus name Philodendron (Schott, 1830), form Greek philodendron, neuter of philodendrons "loving trees," form philo- "loving" (see philo-) + dendron "tree" (form PIE *der-drew-, form root *deru- "to be firm, solid, steadfast," also forming words for "wood, tree"). The plant so called because it clings to trees.
Philodendron esmeraldense
Philodendron esmeraldense comes in a ⌀ 17cm pot and is. ca. 30cm tall
