The monocotyledonous Araceae are herbs, often with tuberous rhizomes, Hanas, egiphytes or are even shrubby or tree-like; they mainly occur in tropical and subtropical regions. The small monoecious flowers are numerous on the spadix, which is surrounded by a frequently showy spatha. The ocmericarps. casionally very large leaves have a basal sheath and show a pseudoreticulate venation pattern. The midvein is frequently composed of a bundle of parallel side nerves. Laticifers, tannin cells, spicular cells,
muc lage cells, resin ducts, calcium oxalate crystals, as well as hydathodes and scent-glands are common. Some members are important as ornamentals and are cultivated for interior decoration (Aglaonema, Caladium, Anthurium, Monstera, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron). In the tropics and subtropics of the Old World, tubers of Colocasia (taro) are consumed and used as a source of starchy food. In South America 'fruits' (infrutescences) of Monstera deliciosa are appreciated for their aromatic taste which resemble that of pineapple and banana. LINDORF (1980) studied the foliar structure of Anthurium bredemeyeri SCHOTT, Anthurium longissimum PITTIER, Dieffenbachia seguine (JACQ.) SCHOTT and Monstera henri-pittieri BUNTING.

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.