Syngonium

Syngonium is a species of Aroid in the Araceae family native to Mexico, Latin America and down to Bolivia.  It represents one of the most popular houseplant varieties and has been naturalized in the West Indies, Texas, Florida, Hawaii and other warm environments.

An evergreen perennial climbing vine it grows to about 10' in height in the wild, and under cultivation it remains typically under 5' tall.  In native habitats aerial roots set terrestrially or attach for climbing, the the vines can be ground covers or climbers, or both.  Under domestic conditions it can be trained easily to climb, crawl or hang.

The leaves are dark green in the wild but there are many cultivars in whites, creams, pinks and various hues of greens.  Generally speaking, the more variegation the higher the light requirements and the lower the available light the more prominent dark greens will appear.

All syngonium species contain oxalic acid and needle shaped raphides that are toxic and can cause intense pain if ingested or from contact with the sap.  Special protection should be used syngonium are landscape plants, especially if using weed whackers or power trimmers.