Anthurium veitchii

Anthurium veitchii originates from northwestern Colombia, where it grows at altitudes of 700 to 1500 meters above sea level in the premontane rainforest. It grows epiphytically or terrestrially at the base of large rainforest trees. It is named after the famous Veitch Nurseries in Exeter, Great Britain, founded by John Veitch.

A. veitchii has a compact, thick rhizome that does not climb. The leaves are borne on 60 to 95 cm long petioles and hang vertically in mature plants. They are peltate and typically grow to about 90 cm long and 25 cm wide, although larger specimens with leaves over 150 cm long and 40 cm wide do exist. They gradually taper towards the tip.

The most striking feature of A. veitchii is undoubtedly its prominent, sunken lateral veins, which branch horizontally from the main vein like the rungs of a ladder. Depending on the individual, the distances between these veins can be wider or narrower. These are referred to as different "forms," ​​such as "narrow" or "wide," but these are not forms in the botanical sense; they are merely descriptions of this characteristic. The transitions between these forms are gradual.

The function of these sunken lateral veins can only be speculated upon. The habitat of *A. veitchii* is rather cool and shady, and it is cloudy for almost 90% of the year in its distribution area. The leaf surface area is increased by the "ribs." This could serve to allow the leaf to dry more quickly or to capture more light.

Anthurium veitchii grows surprisingly fast under good conditions. Young plants that are about a year old can become mature specimens in 2 to 3 years!