Spathiphyllum

Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Araceae
Subfamily:	Monsteroideae
Tribe:	Spathiphylleae
Genus:	Spathiphyllum Schott
Species
See text

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.

Selected species

Cultivation and uses

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.

Spathiphyllum is mildly toxic to humans and animals when ingested. ^{[4] [5]}

External links

• Germplasm Resources Information Network: Spathiphyllum species list

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Spathiphyllum

References

1. ^ http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE7DD1138F930A25751C0A962958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all New York Times - CUTTINGS; Need an Air Freshener? Try Plants
2. ^ http://www.hgtv.ca/gardening/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=800&cat=2&by=10 HGTV - The Best Houseplants for a Healthy Home
3. ^ "How many plants are optimal". Air So Pure. http://www.airsopure.nl/en/verzorgingstips--veelgestelde-vragen.html. Retrieved 14 January 2009. 
4. ^ http://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/poisplant/tox-com.htm University of California, toxic plants
5. ^ http://www.entirelypets.com/toxicplants.html EntirelyPets.com article

Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum	Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum	Spathiphyllum cochlearispathum	Spathiphyllum floribundum
Spathiphyllum floribundum	Close up view of Peace Lily

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