87. Solandra guttata

Description:

Epipremnum aureum is an evergreen vine growing to 20 m tall, with stems up to 4 cm in diameter, climbing by means of aerial roots which adhere to surfaces. The leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, entire on juvenile plants, but irregularly pinnatifid on mature plants, up to 100 cm long and 45 cm broad. Juvenile leaves are much smaller, typically under 20 long. The older the plants get, the larger the leaves become. The flowers are produced in a spathe up to 23 cm long. This plant produces trailing stems when it climbs up trees and these take root when they reach the ground and grow along it.

Use:

It helps to remove harmful and often toxic pollutants in the air such as formaldehyde and high levels of dust. The plant is known to be toxic to humans and animals. It can damage the mouth and digestive tract, if ingested.

87. Scientific name: Solandra guttata D. DON

Common names:

chalice vines, copa de oro

Family:

Solanaceae

Origin: Mexico

Description:

Solandra guttata is a woody plant, reaching 7 to 30 m as a climbing shrub. The leathery berries are flattened spherical, conical, pear-shaped or rounded ovoid with a length of 4 to 6 cm and a diameter of 5 to 6 cm. The leathery and shiny leaf blades are 7.5 to 17.5 cm long and 2 to 11 cm wide elliptical, elongated-elliptical, ovate-elliptical or nearly round. The berries are occasionally whitish, sweetish and edible when ripe.

Use:

Various tropane alkaloids occur in all parts of the plant, some of which have a highly delirious hallucinogenic effect.