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Abstract
Philodendron is a member of the Araceae (Arum) family and originates from the Caribbean, Colombia and Venezuela, but also grows in Asia nowadays. Hundreds of species are known, of which around ten have been promoted to houseplant status. The plant was first described in 1644, and was given its name in 1829. That name derives from Greek: 'philo' means 'love' or 'affection' and 'dendron' is 'tree'. Freely translated it means 'tea hugger', because Philodendron is a real climber that loves to 'embrace' trees. The plant symbolises health and abundance. However the plant is used as an ornamental plant but some studies reveal that plant consists of triterpenoids and flavonoids in some of the species which can exerts some effective usage for various disorders. As per this information this plant species seeks for its validation to potentiate the therapeutic effect present in it.
Keywords: Philodendron, houseplant, triterpenoids, flavonoids
Introduction
Philodendron species commonly known as Heartleaf, Heart-leaf Ivy, Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Central America and the Caribbean. Phileo comes from the Greek words meaning to love and dendron meaning a tree for its affinity to climb trees. Most of the species occur in humid tropical forests, but can also be found in swamps and on river banks, roadsides and rock outcrops. Philodendron species are often found clambering over other plants or climbing the trunks of trees with the aid of aerial roots. It is also native to Mexico, West Indies and Brazil. It is perhaps the most popular philodendron sold in commerce today. Naturally plants will grow to 20' tall, but indoors are more often seen in the 4' tall range. The features claim to be bright, glossy, heart-shaped, dark green leaves that may have a bronze tinge on emerging. The leaves typically grow to 3-4" long, but increase in size up to 12". Twining stems of this plant will either trail from a pot or climb up a column if given support. The flowers infrequently appear as Greenish-white arum on mature indoor plants. Philodendrons belong to the Arums or Aroid (Araceae), a family which is characterized by its distinctive spathe and spadix blooms. They are typically climb tree trunks, obtaining moisture and nutrients...