Monstera Up Tree

© 2024 CTC Productions Pty Limited. All rights reserved. The material presented on this website, may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of CTC Productions.

 

Monstera Up Tree

Don came across a Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) growing in a turpentine tree.

Turpentines (Syncarpia glomulifera) are related to gum trees. Their timber has a high silica content making it resistant to marine borers, and so it has been used extensively in the construction of wharf piers.

Monsteras (often incorrectly called monsterios) are evergreen climbers native to tropical Mexico and Central America. They have large, glossy, perforated and deeply cut leaves, and thick stems with aerial roots. The flowers consists of boat-shaped, creamy white spathes followed by sweet smelling edible fruit which is said to taste somewhere between a pineapple and a banana. It is best to wait until the fruit is very ripe before eating it, and to avoid the prickly black parts of the fruit, which ‘sting’ the tongue.

Monsteras are easy to grow outdoors in the warmer areas of Australia, or indoors in all but the coldest conditions. When grown in pots they form attractive leafy shrubs. Planted outdoors in the garden they develop a vigorous climbing habit, and can grow into very large plants.

Don’s tip: do not allow climbers to grow up living trees. Vines such as monstera smother trees and compete for light, water and nutrients. They increase weight in the crown of the tree, and also provide a habitat for pests.

Further information

Monsteras are readily available at nurseries and garden centres. Plants in 200mm(8″) pots cost $25-$30.