Dieffenbachia seguine
Dieffenbachia seguine, also known as dumbcane,[1] is a species of Dieffenbachia native to the tropical Americas—from southern Mexico, through Central America, to northern South America and Brazil.[1] It is also native to several Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico.[1]
Dumbcane | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Alismatales |
Family: | Araceae |
Genus: | Dieffenbachia |
Species: | D. seguine |
Binomial name | |
Dieffenbachia seguine | |
Synonyms | |
Dieffenbachia maculata |
Description
The herbaceous perennial grows 3 feet (0.91 m) to 10 feet (3.0 m) in height and 2 feet (0.61 m) to 3 feet (0.91 m) in width.[2] The plant's leaves are large and green, and often with variegated white patterns. Like other Dieffenbachias, the sap is toxic. It has showy white flowers.[2]
Cultivation
Dieffenbachia seguine is cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate shade gardens and as a potted house plant.[2] Cultivars emphasize different patterns of variegation.
References
- "Dieffenbachia seguine". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- Missouri Botanic Garden . accessed 10.20.2011