The leaves are heart shaped and rather long stemmed and spring from a central stalk. Usually they are grown in pots but sometimes are seen in the ground. ([Plate XV])
This Anthurium is a native of Colombo.
There are a number of other Anthuriums, but none with such fine blossoms grows in Hawaii. The others here are foliage plants with beautiful, large, velvety leaves, decoratively veined.
PINK OR PURPLE FLOWERING BANANA
Musa rosacea Jacquin
Hawaii has one species of Banana which is grown for its flowers alone, since the small fruits it bears are not edible. This is the Purple Flowering Banana which consists of a pointed head of rosy orchid-colored bracts. These bracts fall open two or three at a time to reveal the small, upstanding, tubular, yellow flowers which grow in “hands” part way around the stalk. As in the fruiting Banana, the flowers nearer the base are female, while those at the tip are male. The flower is one of the most showy and curious of all Hawaii’s blossoms.
It grows on a small plant, of typical Banana form, about eight feet high, with large, lush leaves. This species is a native of India. ([Plate XV])
In handling this flower care should be taken not to let the cut stalk touch clothing, as the juice leaves a permanent stain.
SPATHIPHYLLUM
Spathiphyllum species
A blossom like a small, white Anthurium, but more fragile and with a large, rough spadix, is the Spathiphyllum. The leaves of this plant grow about two feet high and are long, pointed, blade-like and a very rich, dark green. The plant is much used as a low-growing cover in shady tropical gardens, and in pots. Unfortunately the exquisite white flowers do not last long when cut, a day being about all that can be expected.
The species commonly grown around Honolulu is called Spathiphyllum clevelandii, but this is a horticultural name and does not appear in botanical literature. The local species has not yet been satisfactorily determined. The plant is a member of the Arum family and a native of tropical America. ([Plate XV])