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| Common name | Philodendron | |
| Botanical name | Philodendron species (most common species include Philodendron selloum, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron 'Anderson's Red', Philodendron 'Xanadu', Philodendron sanguineum, Philodendron domesticum) | |
| Other common names | Heart-leaf philodendron, sweetheart vine | |
| Family | Araceae | |
| General description | An ornamental, often grown as a pot plant, these plants may or may not have a climbing habit. If grown outside, they are often vines or climbers with thickened stems and numerous aerial roots. | |
| Flowers | Flowers are similar to other aroids in that they are small and numerous, crowded onto a central spike which is surrounded by a greenish coloured spathe. | |
| Leaves | Leaves are shiny, sometimes variegated and often lobed or segmented. | |
| Fruit/Berries | The fruit are berries, white to orange or red, clustered along the spike, similar in structure to other related species in this family. | |
| Other | - | |
| Symptoms | All parts of the plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which if chewed or eaten, can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Swelling may cause copious salivation, difficulty in breathing, swallowing or speaking. Severe swelling or gastric irritation may become life-threatening. The sap may cause contact dermatitis and eye irritation. |
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| Toxicity category | 2, 3 | |
| Warning | Seek urgent medical attention if lips or tongue become swollen or if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
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