Anthurium ochranthum

This plant was given to us by a long-time friend and collector who was moving out of state. We had seen this plant in another collection, but had no idea we would obtain one of our own so soon after seeing that plant.

While this may look like a relatively nondescript green Anthurium, the plant's claim to fame comes to the forefront when an inflorescence matures and opens. The exquisite fragrance is most atypical for Anthuriums in general, as it is finer than some of the most expensive perfumes, yet not overwhelming at all. The spadix starts out green, then turns yellowish, and gradually turns to a dark purple color if it is not setting seed. If it is setting seed, it becomes a purplish green as the fertilized ovules swell and form berries.

We have hybridized with this plant successfully and have very small seedlings; we have high hopes that the inflorescences on the mature plants will have agreeable fragrances of their own.

We thank Steve Lucas and Dr. Tom Croat for their assistance in providing a definitive ID for this plant.