Philodendron simmondsii Mayo is very attractive aroid, rarely encountered in collections and rarely offered for sale. It is a high-climbing, resinous-scented, scandent epiphyte. Petioles are terete. Leaf lamina are triangular in outline, margin lobed or strongly sinuate. It is a very fast and prolific grower and will climb given suitable support.
This species was first discovered by N. W. Simmonds, who described it in manuscript with the name 'P. sinuatum'. Mayo has, chosen instead to name the species in his honour in recognition of his important work on Trinidadian aroids.
From the Modern Latin genus name Philodendron (Schott, 1830), from Greek philodendron, neuter of philodendros "loving trees," from philo- "loving" (see philo-) + dendron "tree" (from PIE *der-drew-, from root *deru- "to be firm, solid, steadfast," also forming words for "wood, tree"). The plant so called because it clings to trees.