I am trying to locate any scientific information or info from growers for the species Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Hook.f. Similar in appearance to a minature Monstera deliciosa, the plant is found only in southern Thailand and portions of Malaysia. If you grow the plant or live in the area where it grows and know anything about it I would appreciate the input. Almost nothing can be found in scientific journals on the species. Here's what I know so far which is very little: http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Rhaphidophora tetraspema pc.html
Shortly after posting this request I received a copy of the scientific treatment from Lucinda Lay of the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in London. That treatment was written by botanist Pete Boyce in Singapore. Pete has assisted me many times while researching plant species, so my special thanks to Pete for the use of his information. I always appreciate the assistance from those of you who love aroids and read the posts on UBC. The page is fairly well updated however the information is limited since this is not a common species in collections and more myth than fact is posted on the internet. If you grow it, I'd love to hear from you. But apparently to keep it growing well the species must be allowed to climb. If you find an error, feel free to point it out. I make no claim to be an expert! Just a writer, one who makes typos and relies on an editor to fix the errors!
I'm adding this information so folks who do an internet search for any of these terms can find their way to UBC. While researching Rhaphidophora tetrasperma I was quite amazed to learn that many of the other garden websites have a large volume of common names for this species. In addition, it is sold on quite a few internet websites with either a strange common name or a totally wrong "scientific" name. You can find the species sold or described incorrectly as Amydrium tetrasperma along with the common names of Amydrium 'Ginnie', Philodendron "Ginny", Mini monstera, Miniature Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron imbe Ginny, Epipremnum "Ginny", Mini split-leaf Philodendron and likely others. This species is neither a Philodendron nor a Monstera species. Additionally, it does somewhat resemble one form of Epipremnum pinnatum but is not that species either. According to aroid botanist Pete Boyce this plant has actually been displayed in a few botanical gardens as "Miniature Monstera deliciosa". The genus Monstera exists only in nature in Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. The genus Rhaphidophora is not found in North or South America as a natural species and is roughly an Asian counterpart. This species is obviously not well understood by collectors. With information provided by the Kew in London as well from several knowledgeable aroid experts I think I have a descent handle on the species now. If you're interested you can read more here: http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Rhaphidophora tetraspema pc.html
