Gen info
- Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, with around 490 species. It is the second largest member of the Araceae family, many species of which are undescribed.
- The genus name Philodendron derives from the Greek words "philo" meaning love or affection, and "dendron" meaning tree. (5)
- Native to Cuba and Jamaica, it is considered one of the "love trees."

Botany
Bagawak is an aroid climber that may grow many meters high. Leaves are long-stalked. Leaf blades are green and glossy with light veins, about 30 centimeters long and 25 centimeters wide, tapering towards the narrow tip. Young leaves have wavy margins; the incisions becoming deeper as they mature, reaching half way to the midrib. Flowers are ivory and cylindrical, about 10 centimeters long, enclosed by tubular bracts
(spathe) 10 to 15 centimeters long,
5 to 7 centimeters wide. The berry f
ruits are about 3 millimeters long.

Distribution
- Introduced and wildly cultivated.
- Propagated by stem cuttings or planting of the lateral buds. Grows both as soil or water plant.
- Native to Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica.

Parts utilized
Leaves

Uses
Folkloric
- Muscular strains, back pains: Leaves are boiled in vinegar and applied to involved areas overnight and repeated for two to three days.
- Flatulence, abdominal pains: Oiled leaves are applied to abdominal epigastric area.
- Decoction of stems of Philodendron lacerum mixed with stems of C. nitida, rhizomes of P. aureum, roots of W. indica used for boils. (3)
- In the Greater Antilles, leaf used as remedy for caustic sores of the arm. (4)

Studies
• Resorcinols and Catechols / Cross Sensitivity Study: Cross-sensitivity studies were done on alkylresorcinols from extracts of Philodendron scandens and Philodendron lacerum and alkylcatechols from an extract of Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy). Patients sensitive to Philodendron species (or other resorcinol-containing plants) may not be necessarily be cross-sensitive to Toxicocdendron species and vice versa. (1)

Availability
Wild-crafted.
Cultivated.

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Resorcinols and catechols: a clinical study of cross-sensitivity / Knight T E, Boil P et al / Am J Contact Dermat. 1996 Sep;7(3):138-45.
(2)
Philodendron lacerum (Jacq.) Schott / Synonyms / Plants of the World Online
(3)
Herbal mixtures in the traditional medicine of Eastern Cuba / Juan Hernández Cano, Gabriele Volpato∗ / Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2004; 90: pp 293–316
(4)
Philodendron lacerum / Umberto Quattrocchi / CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants
(5)
Philodendron / Wikipedia

DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)