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Araceae

15-Monstera

[FMP-field: image]

Often seen in shopping malls and office building is Monstera deliciosa, or split-leaf philodendron. The spathes can be 1 foot long! The fully ripe fruit is edible, creamy-smooth, and like a custard. The flavor has been described as reminiscent of pineapple with touches of banana and mango. The unripe fruit will inflame the mouth and throat because of the calcium oxalate crystals.

Photo by K. R. Robertson at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

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