Rhaphidophora tetrasperma

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma as a houseplant: a cutting from a mature plant, rooting in moist sphagnum moss.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Araceae
Genus:	Rhaphidophora
Species:	R. tetrasperma
Binomial name
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Hook.f.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (common names: "Mini Monstera", Philodendron "Ginny", Philodendron "Piccolo") is a species of plant in the family Araceae, genus Rhaphidophora. It is native to Southern Thailand and to Malaysia.^[1]

This aroid has often been mistaken for other species and families, as evidenced by some of the above common names used by plant nurseries and retailers. Some of these mistaken identities include: Monstera deliciosa (mistaken for a miniature version), Philodendron sp., and Epipremnum pinnatum, which can all have similar, pinnate foliage, depending on the individual plant's stage of life.^[2]

A young R. tetrasperma growing in a tea cup planter with drainage. Leaves of younger plants may not yet form the fenestrations that distinguish this species, especially if not given enough bright, indirect light.

References

1. , The Araceae of Peninsular Malaysia (Penerbit USM) By Mashhor Mansor, Peter C. Boyce, Ahmad Sofiman Othman, Baharuddin Sulaiman
2. Exotic Rainforest by Steve Lucas