Philodendron Bipinnatifidum

I just read Robert Chumley’s latest post and I am happy that he found my words were a comfort. I do look forward to growing his Philodendron and perpetuating his involvement in preserving this clone. Saving specific clones of species is an under appreciated activity. There are horticulturists that collect attractive cultivars of species, that touch on this process. This Philodendron( which remains to be confirmed as a form of Philodendron bipinnatifidum or perhaps something new), is so very unique in several important ways. It is a good example of a plant that could have disappeared, save for the efforts of Robert Chumley. There are many such examples of the loss of diversity within a species. I notice a lot of diversity with my research on Hawaiian native, polymorphic, plant species. I have been seeing this to a lessor degree with Philodendron species, but, it exists. I do wish to thank Robert again for his interest in distributing this plant so it does not disappear into obscurity or extinction. There are many examples of organisms being saved from extinction through the actions of singular individuals( amateur and professional).

If one wishes to read more about the subgenus, Meconostigma, Airlan San Juan’s website, Meconostigma, is a good starting point. It is partly in Malay, but, click on the categories and thumbnail photos, and information in English can be read. It is not complete, but, e-mail Airlan to update this site and it will become an excellent resource. Airlan is very competent and thorough with his research…as evidenced by his other two websites on Leaf cutting ants and stomatopods (mantis shrimps). Airlan is an amateur researcher…in the best sense of the word; from the French, “to love”. Passion for a subject can develop into an almost obsessive quest for the truth and minute details. That can be a good thing.

Aloha,

Leland