Name: Philodendron melanochrysum, Linden & André 1873
Synonyms:
Philodendron andreanum, Devansaye 1886
Philodendron grandidens, hort. 1887
Etymology: melanochrysum: melano = dark, black, chryseus = golden
Origin: Colombia
Habitat: hemiepiphytic climbing plant, at around 800 m, in the warm, humid tropical forest of the Pacific Andes.
Notes: The leaves of Philodendron melanochrysum are exceptionally beautiful, dark black-green with golden-yellow veining, a real eye-catcher and highlight in any collection.
The plant was first found by M. Roezl (?), and subsequently described by André. However, no other Philodendron melanochrysum had been found in the area originally cited as the location; the collections of the plants known today were made years later in another area, which was not disclosed. Only the elevation of 800 m was confirmed.