Anadendrum affine

A root-climbing aroid from Sumatra and Borneo

Anadendrum affine is native to Sumatra and Borneo. It is a climbing aroid with entire elongated leaves, using adhesive roots along its stem to hold closely against trees or rock faces.

The species belongs to warm lowland rainforest, where heavy rain, humid air and wet bark create a continuous climbing surface. Its roots begin among leaf litter and forest soil before the stem moves into the understorey. Light remains broken by branches overhead, becoming brighter as the vine reaches gaps above neighbouring ground plants.

Care for supported aroid vines

Light

Stand Anadendrum affine close to a large east or west window, or a short distance from a south window with the harshest sun softened. Gentle direct light is helpful after gradual acclimation.

Watering

Keep the plant lightly and evenly moist through active climbing growth, allowing the upper layer of the substrate to dry before a thorough watering. The support can also change demand: an actively rooted damp pole increases use, while a dry board does not.

Temperature

Grow Anadendrum affine in steady warmth and keep the roots away from chilling temperatures. A brief cooler period is less risky with airy, only lightly moist mix, but prolonged chill causes a setback.

Humidity and airflow

Anadendrum affine grows most cleanly in moderate to high humidity, but an established plant can adapt to average room air. Use a humidifier if dry air stalls new leaves; keep humidification separate from root and support watering.

When Anadendrum affine needs attention

• Leaves remain small on a long creeping vine: Anadendrum affine is a climber and stays juvenile when it cannot attach. Train it onto a rough vertical support in bright indirect light; do not bury aerial roots or expect unsupported stems to size up.
• The vine makes a bare searching section: A firm green runner is looking for support rather than dying. Guide the tip onto the pole and check light and warmth; trim only if its direction cannot be accommodated.
• Fresh growth is narrow, scarred or misshapen: Look inside the rolled leaf and along its stalk for thrips and black droppings. Isolate the vine and begin repeated treatment before later leaves are damaged.
• Older leaves yellow while the pot remains heavy: The roots are receiving too little air. Let the mix partly dry, empty retained runoff and inspect for soft roots if the yellowing continues.
• Aerial roots dry at the support: A dry aerial tip is not fatal if pot roots are healthy, but it cannot anchor the vine. Press new roots gently against a lightly moisture-retentive support without keeping the stem continuously wet.

Anadendrum affine is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does Anadendrum affine mean, and who first published it?

Anadendrum combines Greek ana, meaning upward, with dendron, meaning tree, a name suited to these climbing aroids. The Latin epithet affine means related, allied or similar.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Anadendrum in 1857 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 5, page 45.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Anadendrum affine in 1864 in Annales Musei Botanici Lugduno-Batavi, volume 1, page 282.