| Spathiphyllum | |
|---|---|
| Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Subfamily: | Monsteroideae |
| Tribe: | Spathiphylleae |
| Genus: | Spathiphyllum Schott |
| Species | |
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See text |
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Spathiphyllum is a genus of about 40 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia. Certain species of Spathiphyllum are commonly known as Spath or Peace Lilies.
They are evergreen herbaceous perennial plants with large leaves 12–65 cm long and 3–25 cm broad. The flowers are produced in a spadix, surrounded by a 10–30 cm long, white, yellowish, or greenish spathe. The plant does not need excessive light or water to survive.
Several species are popular indoor houseplants. Spathiphyllum cleans indoor air of many environmental contaminants, including benzene, formaldehyde, and other pollutants.[1][2] It cleans best at one plant per 10 m².[3] It lives best in shade and needs little sunlight to thrive. It is watered approximately once a week. The soil is best left moist but only needs watering if the soil is dry.[4]
Spathiphyllum is mildly toxic to humans and animals when ingested.[5][6] The Peace Lily is not a true lily from the Liliaceae family. True lilies, as well as onions and garlic, are much more toxic to cats and dogs. The Peace Lily contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause skin irritation, burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and nausea.
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