The dry leaf of Monstera deliciosa -Another view

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Last year I posted about a photograph of the dry leaf of Monstera deliciosa I had prepared for my joint show with my friend Beth. That photo (below) ( f/10, 1/200, ISO 800, @ 105 mm) portrayed a dorsal view of the leaf.

Last December, during a trip to Brazil to visit family, I set out to make another photograph, a side view of the leaf (featured photograph: f/5.6, 1/68, ISO 640, 60 mm).

Both images were taken in the field. Notice the fairly different settings and focal lengths, yet the results are not all that different. Photographers often want to know which camera, lens, or settings were used, assuming this information will help them recreate a particular look. In reality, the same visual effect can be achieved in many different ways.

Both images have been added to my GeoGalleries portfolio “leaf“.

Commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant prized for its large, glossy, and uniquely perforated leaves. Native to the rainforests of Central America, it thrives in warm, humid environments and can grow impressively large, both indoors and outdoors. In the wild, its aerial roots allow it to climb trees, while its leaves develop characteristic fenestrations as the plant matures, enhancing its striking appearance. Beyond its ornamental appeal, it also produces an edible fruit with a flavor reminiscent of pineapple and banana. Easy to care for, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

What’s in the name

Monstera deliciosa was named by the Danish botanist Frederik Michael Liebmann (October 10, 1813 – October 29, 1856). Species names are binomial, meaning they consist of two parts: the genus name, which is capitalized, and the species epithet, which is not. The binomial is often followed by the name of the person who described the species (Liebmann, in this case), and sometimes the year of description. Scientific names are typically written in italics (or bold) to distinguish them from the rest of the text.

The name Monstera deliciosa comes from Latin and reflects both the plant’s appearance and its fruit. Monstera is derived from monstrum, meaning “monster” or “monstrous,” referring to the plant’s large, unusually perforated leaves. Deliciosameans “delicious,” a nod to the fruit, which, when ripe, has a sweet, tropical flavor reminiscent of banana, pineapple, and mango.

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6 responses to “The dry leaf of Monstera deliciosa -Another view”

  1. Steve Schwartzman Avatar

    I got curious about the holes, so I asked AI: “Monsteras develop holes—technically called fenestrations—as an evolutionary adaptation to maximize survival in tropical rainforests. These holes allow the large leaves to withstand heavy rains and high winds without breaking, while enabling light to filter down to lower foliage. The holes also maximize surface area for photosynthesis while minimizing the energy required to grow solid, heavy leaves.”

    That raises the question of why holes didn’t develop in the leaves of all the other kinds of plants in the same environment. Presumably the Monstera underwent a random, quirky mutation that the other plants never underwent.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      So many tropical leaves are so large but have no holes. I didn’t think there was a hypothesis about why Monstera has…

      Like

  2. shoreacres Avatar

    The holes do suggest Swiss cheese, but the metallic sheen argues against that association. In the photo, the holes suggested a group of masked revelers to me, like during the season of Carnival.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Alessandra Chaves Avatar

      Always intriguing to see read about what people think.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. howg2211 Avatar
    howg2211

    What an interesting plant and the black and white really emphasizes the holes. Interesting about the name and the apparent good taste of the fruit!

    Like

  4. tierneycreates: a fusion of textiles and smiles Avatar

    Most amazing image I’ve ever seen of a dry leaf!

    Like

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