Ulearum donburnsii

Botanical identity and natural origin of Ulearum donburnsii

Ulearum donburnsii is known from Morona-Santiago Province in eastern Ecuador, where it grows in moist tropical forest. Its wild range is exceptionally small.

Care for Ulearum donburnsii

• Light: Give bright filtered light. If the plant has been grown in deep shade, increase light gradually.
• Temperature: For Ulearum donburnsii, maintain about 18–27 °C and prevent extended chilling below 15 °C.
• Humidity and airflow: Aim for 50–60% humidity. Keep the surrounding air moderately humid and provide gentle airflow so the leaves and crown dry promptly after splashes.
• Water: Keep the root ball evenly moist during active growth while allowing excess water to drain. Let the surface begin to dry before watering again.
• Potting mix: Use a loose aroid mix with plenty of air around the roots and a pot with an open drainage hole.
• Feeding: Give a light fertiliser application while fresh growth is developing.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the container or the mix becomes compact or drains poorly, moving to a slightly larger pot.

Common problems with Ulearum donburnsii

• Leaves wilt while the mix stays wet: Root damage or rot is possible. Inspect the roots, remove rotten tissue back to firm healthy material with a clean tool, discard the rot and repot healthy growth into fresh, loose potting mix.
• Leaf edges turn dry and brittle: The root zone may have dried too far or the surrounding air may be very dry. Water more consistently and check the light on the affected leaf.
• New leaves become progressively smaller: Low light, root problems or too little feeding can all slow growth. If the roots are healthy and the position is dim, move the plant toward brighter filtered light.
• Fine pale speckles, webbing or distorted new growth develop: Mites or thrips may be present. Isolate the plant, identify the pest and use a product labelled for that pest and indoor ornamentals at the stated repeat interval.

Ulearum donburnsii 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.

The meaning and history of Ulearum donburnsii

Ulearum was named in honour of the German botanist Ernst Ule. Donburnsii honours Don Burns, an aroid grower and International Aroid Society member who grew material that helped botanists recognise the species.

Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler established the genus Ulearum in 1905 in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, volume 37, page 95.

Thomas Bernard Croat and Betsy Feuerstein first described Ulearum donburnsii in 2003 in Aroideana, volume 25, page 37.