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Reference · Crops

Araceae

The Araceae family consists of a diverse group of monocotyledonous plants, encompassing numerous species of significant agricultural importance, most notably taro (Colocasia esculenta). These plants are typically herbaceous perennials that have evolved to thrive in tropical and subtropical environments. Within the context of world agriculture, they serve as essential staple foods providing high-energy carbohydrates.

Main sections

Philodendron30 Monstera10 Philodendron10 Rhaphidophora10 Syngonium6 Lagenandra5 Spathiphyllum5 Monstera adansonii4 Piptospatha4 Scindapsus4 Spathiphyllum4 Pinellia3 Montrichardia2 Peltandra2 Rhaphidophora2 Sauromatum2 Spirodela2 Stylochaeton2 Symplocarpus2 Thaumatophyllum2
194 sections

What the section contains

Lagenandra Lagenandra 5 items Lasia Lasia 1 item Lasimorpha Lasimorpha 1 item Lemna tenera Lemna tenera Lemna turionifera Lemna turionifera Leucocasia Leucocasia Schott 1 item Lysichiton Lysichiton Monstera Monstera 10 items Monstera adansonii Monstera Adans. 4 items Montrichardia Montrichardia 2 items Nephthytis Nephthytis Schott Nephthytis Nephthytis 1 item Palestine arum Arum palaestinum Peltandra Peltandra 2 items Philodendron Philodendron Schott corr. Schott 10 items Philodendron Philodendron 30 items Pinellia Pinellia Ten. 1 item Pinellia Pinellia 3 items Piptospatha Piptospatha 4 items Podolasia Podolasia 1 item Pothoidium Pothoidium 1 item Pothos Pothos L. Pothos beccarianus Pothos beccarianus Pothos scandens Pothos scandens Pseudowolffia Pseudowolffia 1 item Remusatia Remusatia 1 item Rhaphidophora Rhaphidophora Hassk. 2 items Rhaphidophora Rhaphidophora 10 items Rhodospatha Rhodospatha 1 item Ribbed cobra lily Arisaema costatum Sauromatum Sauromatum 2 items Schismatoglottis Schismatoglottis Schismatoglottis Schismatoglottis hybrids Schismatoglottis calyptrata Schismatoglottis calyptrata Schismatoglottis concinna Schismatoglottis concinna Schismatoglottis longispatha Schismatoglottis longispatha Schismatoglottis multiflora Schismatoglottis multiflora Schismatoglottis picta Schismatoglottis picta Schismatoglottis prietoi Schismatoglottis prietoi Schismatoglottis pulchra Schismatoglottis pulchra Schismatoglottis pusilla Schismatoglottis pusilla Schismatoglottis wallichii Schismatoglottis wallichii Scindapsus Scindapsus Schott 1 item Scindapsus Scindapsus 4 items Spathicarpa Spathicarpa 1 item Spathiphyllum Spathiphyllum Schott 4 items Spathiphyllum Spathiphyllum 5 items Spirodela Spirodela 2 items Steudnera Steudnera 1 item Stylochaeton Stylochaeton 2 items Symplocarpus Symplocarpus 2 items Syngonium Syngonium Schott 1 item Syngonium Syngonium 6 items Taro Colocasia Schott 1 item Thaumatophyllum Thaumatophyllum 2 items Titan arum Amorphophallus titanum Typhonium Typhonium 1 item Typhonium flagelliforme Typhonium flagelliforme Typhonium roxburghii Typhonium roxburghii Typhonodorum Typhonodorum 1 item

Araceae

The original range of the family is predominantly concentrated in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. These crops are currently cultivated across a vast global belt wherever environmental conditions provide high humidity and warmth. Their adaptation to specific ecological niches has made them highly suitable for small-scale farming as well as intensive industrial production in equatorial climates.

From a botanical perspective, Araceae are defined by their unique inflorescence known as a spadix, which is partially or fully enveloped by a leaf-like bract called a spathe. Their reproductive and storage organs are often modified into thickened tubers, corms, or rhizomes. These underground structures are not only vital for the plant's survival but are also the primary economic components harvested for human consumption and industrial starch production.

Agronomic requirements for Araceae focus on soil management and climate regulation. These plants perform best in fertile, well-draining loamy soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Consistent moisture is mandatory; however, waterlogging must be avoided to prevent root degradation. Effective field management involves canopy control, periodic weeding, and strategic fertilization to maximize starch accumulation in the tubers.

The хозяйственное use of Araceae is vast, ranging from culinary applications, where tubers are processed to remove calcium oxalate crystals, to starch extraction for various industrial purposes. Common pests and diseases affecting these crops include root rot caused by Phytophthora species and damage from various aphids or nematodes. Managing these threats requires a robust integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, focusing on crop rotation and the selection of disease-resistant germplasm.