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Pothos gigantipes Buchet ex P.C.Boyce

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Pothos gigantipes Buchet ex P.C.Boyce
  • Common Name: No common name

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam
  • Features: Compressed‑rectangular, winged stems; juvenile leaves blue‑grey; adult leaves elliptic with a prominent submarginal vein

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Photos
  • Botanical Background: First mentioned (invalidly) by Buchet in 1942 and validly published by P.C. Boyce in Blumea 45: 162 (2000). The type specimen (Chevalier 37045) was collected in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to lowland wet forests of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
  • Environment: Thrives in shaded understories with high humidity, warm temperatures (20–30 °C), and humus‑rich, well‑drained soils.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Juvenile: Congested, blue‑grey, on 3 mm stems with winged angles
  • Adult: Elliptic, 8–15 cm long, glossy mid‑green, rounded base, acuminate‑mucronate apex, prominent submarginal collecting vein

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Spathe: Waxy white to pale yellow, somewhat triangular‑truncate 
  • Spadix: Stipitate (stipe 27.5–40 × 2–2.5 mm), fertile portion ovoid‑clavate (12.5–15 × 10–12 mm), mid‑yellow
  • Pollination: Likely by small flies or beetles attracted to waxy spathe

Growth Habit

  • Robust, homophyllous root‑climbing vine to 4 m, with adventitious roots
  • Stems never form tubers or thick rhizomes

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light

  • Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch


Watering & Humidity

  • Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged

  • Maintain humidity above 60%

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Use a mix of bark, peat, and perlite for good drainage and aeration

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal range 18–30 °C

  • Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Clump division possible if mature clumps form.

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

  • Stem cuttings with 2–3 nodes root readily in water or moist substrate

Seeds

  • Rarely propagated by seed

  • Fresh seeds germinate in warm, moist conditions in 4–6 weeks

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot from overwatering
  • Ensure good air circulation

Treatment Recommendations

  • Wipe foliage with soapy water or neem oil
  • Use insecticidal soap for infestations. Improve drainage to prevent rot

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Epithet “gigantipes” refers to its comparatively large spathe stipe
  • In its native habitat, it contributes to forest understory complexity
  • Valued by collectors for its unusual rectangular stems, blue‑grey juvenile foliage, and robust climbing habit

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not yet assessed by IUCN

  • Habitat loss in Southeast Asia could pose future risks

Market Availability

  • Rare in general trade
  • Available through specialist Aroid nurseries and collectors

References & Resources

Further Reading

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