Monstera deliciosa – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

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Native Continent

Northern America, Southern America

Northern America

Mexico, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave,

Southern America

Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama,

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The juicy, subacid fruits have an excellent aroma and taste, combining the flavours of bananas and pineapples. The fruit is eaten raw, made into jellies and jams, and is also used in ice creams, sherbets, soft drinks etc. Some people find the fruit unpleasant to eat because it can contain irritating crystals in the pulp. The fruit is 8 - 12mm long, held in a bunch on a spadix that can be 25cm long. The fruiting spadices become whitish at maturity and very juicy. They are sweet and of good flavour and often are eaten, but care must be taken to eat only fruits that are thoroughly ripe, since immature ones will cause swelling and irritation of the mouth because of needle-like crystals of calcium oxalate found in the tissues or sap.