Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq.) Schott
| Etymology | Genus | After Dr. Ernst Dieffenbach, a 19th century German naturalist |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Unknown | |
| Family | Araceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Dumbcane, Dumb Cane | |
| Status | Exotic: Casual | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Caribbean to tropical South America | |
Diagnostics
Dieffenbachia seguine is a common ornamental plant because of its varigated leaves. It is also a common sight in secondary forests which are ex-kampungs. It is a short stout herb where the stem often run horizontally along the ground before growing upright. The petioles overlap each other before extending as broad large varigated leaves.
Interesting Facts
It is known infamously as Dumbcane due to the white sap containing a high concentration of sharp calcium oxalate crystals, which when ingested, can cause intense pain and temporary speechlessness.
A bunch of Dumbcanes at Dairy Farm Park.
Twining stems along the forest floor.
Leaf.
Petiole.
Overlapping petioles.
Siyang ·
2025-10-19 / Modified: 2026-02-18