Araceae

The arums or Family Araceae is a family of monocotss (Class Liliopsida) within the flowering plants in which the flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence called a spadix, usually with female flowers towards the bottom and male flowers towards the top. The spadix is accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed in, a spathe (leaf-like hood).

Anthurium and Calla are two well-known members of this family, as are Colocasia esculenta (Taro) and Xanthosoma roseum (Elephant ear or 'ape). The largest inflorescence in the world is that of the arum Amorphophallus titanum (Titan arum). There are also a great many ornamentals in this family: Dieffenbachia, Aglaonema, Caladium, Nephthys, and Epipremnum, to name a few. Both Taro and Monstera deliciosa provide food value (the fruit of Monstera deliciosa called "Mexican breadfruit"). Philodendron is an important plant in the ecosystems of the rainforests and is often used in home and interior decorating.

See also

• Acorus, previously included in the Araceae, is now placed in its own family, the Acoraceae.

• Family Araceae