The genus name Anthurium is derived from the Greek ‘Anthos’ and ‘Oura’. The literal translation of this is ‘flowering tail’. The name is appropriate because of the flowering manner. This consists of a spathe and the spadix, on which the flowers are found. The manner in which it flowers defines that the Anthurium belongs to the Arum family (Araceae).

A world traveller with tropical roots

Anthurium has a stronger link to Colombia than to Greece. Its exotic appearance actually gives it away; the Anthurium originates from the rain forests of Colombia. The Austrian doctor and botanist Dr. Karl van Scherzer had the honour of finding the first species of Anthurium. Not entirely surprisingly the botanist named this species after himself, namely Anthurium scherzerianum.