Anthurium cerrobaulense
In my ongoing attempt to escape from the firm grasp of the dark-velvets, I’ve recently added Anthurium cerrobaulense to my collection of tropical plants growing indoors in North Carolina. While the very green and very non-velute leaf blades of Anthurium cerrobaulense Matuda have very little propensity for “glitter flexing” (a term used to describe the light hitting a leaf blade perfectly so as to have it glisten for the camera) it is one of the most intriguing plants I’m growing. This seedling was acquired from known collector of the esoteric: Jay Vannini. Mr. Vannini has provided me with details in our private correspondence about Anthurium cerrobaulense that were captivating and bizarre. In this brief note I will reveal some of those details and images.
The ripe berries of Anthurium cerrobaulense being held by Jay V in his private collection in California.
Mr. Vannini believes these to be the largest ripe fruit of any anthurium species currently known.
“This clone is, hands-down, one of most impressive Mexican aroids and that is saying a lot!”
Anthurium cerrobaulense ‘Tzeltal Lance’ shown here growing in Jay Vannini’s Bay Area greenhouse. This is the founder plant used to make the selfling shown above as well as several recent novel hybrids by Mr. Vannini.
Anthurium cerrobaulense Matuda is a difficult species to find in ornamental horticulture. This species is endemic to the Arriaga and Cintalapa municipalities in the southeastern Oaxaca region of Mexico where it grows as both a lithophyte and epiphyte. Mature plants in cultivation can exceed a 42”106cm wingspan, see image 4 of the parent plant being grown by Mr. Vannini at his greenhouse in California. The fruits of this species are the largest of any known anthurium and take 26 months to ripen, see image 5 of Mr. Vannini holding these giant red berries.
It is my opinion that this species would be would be a unique add to any Aroid collection. The seedling we are growing here is planted in a bark based substrate where it is over-potted in a pot with plenty of air flow. I suspect this species would grow well in a mineral based substrate with proper water and nutrients as well. Light levels below 250fc and good water quality are essential in my opinion as our seedling did not like light levels of 350-400fc.
The species produces massive fruits seen above.
It takes approximately 26 months for the berrries to ripen after being pollinated by hand.
The clone ‘Tzeltal's Lance’ seen above in Mr. Vannini’s collection in California is 42” across.