In September at the International Aroid Show in Miami there was a fantastic Philodendron on display tagged as Philodendron maximum. I have been trying to learn about this species for close to a year with no success. Some collectors have apparently been claiming the plant on display was not truly that species. Dr. Tom Croat sent a copy of his treatment of the species and verified the photo below is in fact Philodendron maximum. In the research material there was a mention of a palm tree where this species is commonly found growing which the Philodendron commonly uses as a base. Although the species is found near wet rain forest, this palm grows primarily in drier regions. As a result, it appears Philodendron maximum does not like to be kept really wet. By the way, leaves can reach 5.5 feet (close to 165cm). The plant is found in Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron maximum pc.html
There is again some concern among several qualified experts (December, 2007) that the specimen shown on my webpage identified as Philodendron maximum may not be the specimen originally described in 1913 by K. Krause. A disclaimer has been added to the page until such time as more detailed work can be done by experts in the field of taxonomy.
In late March, 2007 expert aroid grower LariAnn Garner of Aroidia Research in Miami, FL had her large specimen of Philodendron maximum develop a cluster of inflorescences. Exactly as described in the scientific material, the interior of each spathe was red at the base changing abruptly to white. LariAnn has been very kind to furnish copies of her photos to be added to our webpage on the species. For some odd reason several of the search engines have been having trouble locating this page so if you are seeking information or scientifically verified images please check this link: http://www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron maximum pc.html Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden assisted with the preparation of the material and has checked the photos and information presented for accuracy.
