Arum (Family Araceae)
Araceae is a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants in which
flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence called a spadix. The
spadix is usually accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed
in, a spathe or leaf-like bract. Also known as the Arum Family, mem-
bers are often colloquially known as aroid.
This family of 107 genera and over 3700 species is most diverse in
the New World tropics, although also distributed in the Old World
tropics and north temperate regions.
The family includes many ornamental plants: Dieffenbachia,
Aglaonema, Caladium, Nephthytis, and Epipremnum, to name a
few. In Genus Cryptocoryne are many popular aquarium plants.
Both taro and Monstera deliciosa provide food value (the fruit of
Monstera deliciosa called "Mexican breadfruit"). Philodendron is
an important plant in the ecosystems of the rainforests and is often
used in home and interior decorating.
Crooked Run Valley