Monstera is considered a hemiepiphyte. The leaves are alternate, leathery, dark green, very large, from long (up to long in "M. dubia") and broad, often with holes in the leaf blade. The flowers are borne on a specialised inflorescence called a spadix, long; the fruit is a cluster of white berries, edible in some species. They are commonly grown indoors as houseplants. The best-known representative of the genus, "Monstera deliciosa", is also cultivated for its edible fruit which tastes like a combination of banana and pineapple. "The Plant List" recognises 48 accepted taxa (of species and infraspecific names): Previously included: Monstera
Monstera deliciosa for humans. Forcing a "M. deliciosa" to flower outside of its typical tropical habitat proves to be difficult. Specific conditions need to be met for the plant to flower. However, in its tropical and subtropical habitat, the plant flowers easily. In these areas where it grows naturally, "M. deliciosa" is considered a delicacy due to its sweet and exotic flavor. Fruits of plants of the Araceae (Arum family) often contain Raphides and Trichosclereids – needle-like structures of calcium oxalate. In "M. deliciosa," unripe fruit containing these needle-like crystalline structures can cause irritation of the mouth. The fruit first shows signs