Yes, Anthuriums are aroids, belonging to the flowering plant family known as Araceae. The term “aroid” is the common name for any plant within this family, which is popular in horticulture for its diverse foliage and flowers. The Araceae family is vast, containing over 4,000 species across more than 140 genera predominantly found in tropical regions worldwide.
Defining the Araceae Family
The Araceae family represents a distinct group of plants characterized by shared botanical traits. All aroids are monocotyledons, meaning their seeds have a single embryonic leaf. Many members of this family are herbaceous plants that grow as vines, terrestrially, or as epiphytes, growing on other plants without deriving nutrients.
A defining characteristic of the family is its unique reproductive structure, the inflorescence, which consists of a spadix and a spathe. The spadix is a fleshy spike where numerous tiny flowers are densely packed. Surrounding this spike is the spathe, a modified leaf or bract that can be green or brightly colored, serving to attract pollinators.
Beyond their floral structure, aroids share a chemical defense mechanism, as most species contain calcium oxalate crystals. The presence of these needle-shaped crystals, called raphides, is considered a defining characteristic of the family. Familiar examples of other aroids include Monstera, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily), and Colocasia (Taro).
The Anthurium’s Distinctive Aroid Features
Anthurium species display the specialized features that define the Araceae family, particularly in their floral structure. What most people call the Anthurium flower is actually the inflorescence, which consists of a prominent spadix and spathe. The spadix is the central, rod-like spike that contains the numerous, minute, true flowers.
The spathe, which is the colorful, heart-shaped, or lance-shaped structure, is technically a modified leaf bract. In many cultivated Anthuriums, this spathe is glossy and comes in shades of red, pink, white, or green, attracting pollinators. Unlike some other aroids where the spathe might fully enclose the spadix, the Anthurium spathe typically lies flat or curves back, displaying the central spike.
The genus is also known for its diversity in foliage, with leaves that can be velvety, deeply lobed, or strap-like, often with pronounced venation. This variation in leaf form, combined with the plant’s habit of growing terrestrially or as an epiphyte, aligns it with the adaptable nature of the Araceae family. Anthurium is the largest genus of the Araceae family, with over 1,000 species.
Practical Implications of Aroid Classification
The classification of Anthuriums as aroids carries two practical implications for plant owners: safety and cultivation needs. Regarding safety, all parts of the Anthurium plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, a common trait across the Araceae family. These microscopic raphides are stored within specialized cells in the plant tissue.
If any part of the plant is chewed or ingested, the raphides are released and cause intense irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Symptoms include a burning sensation, swelling, and temporary difficulty swallowing, which serves as an effective defense mechanism against herbivores. For this reason, Anthuriums and other aroids should be kept away from pets and small children.
The aroid classification points to a set of shared environmental preferences rooted in the family’s tropical origins. Like many Philodendrons and Monsteras, Anthuriums thrive in conditions that mimic a tropical understory. This means they require bright, indirect light, high levels of ambient humidity, and a well-draining, organic potting mix that allows for good root aeration.