Scientific name
Bucephalandra Schott
Common names
buce
Family
Araceae
Similar genera
Native distribution
endemic to Borneo
Species cultivated
Numerous varieties are known by informal names associated with their appearance or collection locality. The taxonomy of this group is dynamic at present, with new species being described.
Bucephalandra gigantea Bogner
B. motleyana Schott
Adventive distribution
none
Weed status
not weedy
Habit
emergent or temporarily submerged, rhizomatous, obligate rheophytic herbs
Brief description
Small aroid herb. Stem creeping, apex upright; rhizomatous. Leaves numerous; petiolar sheath with long marcescent ligule; leaf blade variable, often lanceolate, elliptic to oblong; base attenuate; margin smooth to undulate; often punctate below; venation pinnate. Inflorescence a spathe and spadix on emersed and submersed plants; peduncle subequal to petiole at anthesis, elongating later. Spathe ellipsoid, not constricted; lower broadly funnel-form; encloses developing fruits, variously senescing then caducous; limb white, pink, or yellow. Spadix shorter than spathe. Berry globose to ellipsoid.
Natural habitat
rheophytic in tropical humid forests, usually in or along streams
Additional comments
A genus of only two accepted species, Bucephalandra gigantea and B. motleyana. Largely wild harvested, there is a concern of over-harvesting.
