Knowra Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical American plants in the arum family, grown as foliage houseplants. Its sap contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that irritate skin and mucous membranes.
Araceae : Araceae is a family of flowering plants that includes aroids such as taro, philodendrons, and peace lilies. Dieffenbachia belongs to this family, whose flowers are typically arranged on a spadix beside a spathe.
Idioblast : An idioblast is a specialized plant cell that differs from surrounding cells in structure or contents. Specialized idioblasts store the crystals released when Dieffenbachia tissue is chewed or crushed.
Houseplant : A houseplant is a plant cultivated indoors, usually for decoration or enjoyment. Dieffenbachia's patterned foliage makes it a familiar ornamental houseplant.
Dieffenbachia seguine : Dieffenbachia seguine is a tropical American species of Dieffenbachia with broad, often variegated leaves. It is among the species associated with the genus's long history in ornamental cultivation.
Calcium oxalate : Calcium oxalate is a chemical compound found in minerals and living organisms, including plants. Dieffenbachia sap contains needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that contribute to irritation.
Plant defense against herbivory : Plant defense against herbivory comprises traits that reduce damage from animals that eat plants. Irritating crystals and chemical compounds make Dieffenbachia tissues costly for many herbivores to consume.
Plant propagation : Plant propagation is the production of new plants by sexual or asexual methods. Growers propagate Dieffenbachia through stem sections as well as seeds.
Dieffenbachia amoena : Dieffenbachia amoena is a large-leaved tropical species cultivated as an ornamental foliage plant. Its vigorous growth and patterned leaves helped make Dieffenbachia popular indoors.
Raphide : A raphide is a needle-shaped crystal of calcium oxalate or another mineral, formed inside specialized plant cells. These crystals can be released from damaged Dieffenbachia tissues and penetrate mucous membranes.
Vegetative propagation : Vegetative propagation produces new plants from stems, roots, leaves, or other non-seed tissues. Stem cuttings allow Dieffenbachia cultivars to be multiplied without relying on seed.
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