bump, anyone out there?

yeah ... i spent almost an hour over the day yesterday .. and was pretty amazed ... no matter what search terms i used... i couldnt find pix of the plant in its native habitat ...

whats that all about ..

i did enjoy looking at incredibly huge philo's though...

i figured i didnt want that to be your first answer.. so i was waiting until someone else answered ...

dont feel alone.. youre not alone out there ...

ken

Thanks Kenn.

This is also one of those plants that's been born again and placed in a new genus. Guessing this was done on the basis of new DNA research but assuming they are still related to the old Philodendron genus. And as if Latin names weren't all, it was mislabeled by the store as Split-Leaf Philodendron, which as far as I know, is usually applied to Monstera deliciosa. Did you know that as tropical as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (a.k.a., Philodendron b, aka. selloum) is, some people claim success by leaving them in the ground (in cold zones), and having them return from the roots. Mine wouldn't need the winter coat of mulch though. Thanks again.

Well, after doing some research, I see that the "split-leaf philodendron/tree philodendron" is actually, not considered a philodendron anymore but was placed in its own genus, Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum. What's confusing is that they still use the term Philodendron binnatifidium or selloum as synonyms. That does not make much sensed to me from the standpoint of a botanical clarification. If they are distinct enough to be placed in their own genus, why should the old genus still be used synonymously? I know that this is better question for the Botany forum, but that forum is DEAD. And yes, they do send up basal suckers, and are a source of propagation. So now my follow up question, is whether this so-called "Tree Philodendron" is actually a "tree", as it does get woody tissue and some height (up to 20 feet). And finally, what criteria are used to describe a plant as a "tree"? I think there a botanical /common usage divide here if I'm not mistaken.

it's a 'tree philo': grows a tall thick trunk with age and tends to fall down if it has nothing to lean on. it grows huge in FL in ground. when it's old enough it might produce off-sets at the base. or if you chop off the main trunk to the ground.

i don't think it can survive in ground in NJ.

they plant it in landscaping in groups: they just look better this way.

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum is the correct name, other are synonyms.

Tree Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) - Garden.org

why the common name is 'Tree Philo'? 'cause it looks sort of like a Palm when mature. do you really expect an explanation to a common name :) ? most of them are based on resemblance/appearance.

"why the common name is 'Tree Philo'? 'cause it looks sort of like a Palm when mature."

Did you know that palms are technically not considered "trees" by botanists, but "woody herbs", so was wondering if this also applied to this ex philodendron.

You’ll need to raise a botanist😏 to get an answer.

yes, i know about Palms but plenty of people do not. the common name for many cycads are Palms. which they are definitely not!..

a Tree Fern is a fern not a tree but it looks like one because it has a fat trunk.

i searched and found that it is a woody shrub here.

Philodendron Selloum (south-florida-plant-guide.com), they recommend 'Hope' hybrid for smaller size :).