Discovered in 1839 by Scottish botanist George Don in his book “Hortus Britannicus,” Anthurium sagittatum is part of the velvety-leaved section Cardiolonchium. The term “velutinous” describes its short, silky hairs that give the leaves a velvet-like appearance, though this feature may vary. While some know it as Anthurium rubrinervium, this is actually a synonym for the same plant.
Anthurium sagittatum is widespread in the rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, Guiana, French Guiana, and likely Venezuela. It typically grows from 330 to over 10,000 feet above sea level but is more commonly found between 325 to 5,000 feet. Unlike some related species, it does not grow on trees but on the ground in dense groups, often found along trails, riverbanks, and shadowy, wet places in subtropical forests. It thrives in partial to full shade, avoiding full sunlight.
The species name “sagittatum” means “arrow-shaped,” referring to the shape of its leaves. It may start its life on the ground and then climb trees, though there’s no solid evidence to confirm this growth pattern. The accompanying photo by Elizabeth Campbell shows a specimen in Ecuador, growing beside a road in a waterlogged ditch at about 3,600 feet elevation.
