Aka. Epipremnum aureum and Philodendron hederaceum
Did you know that what we call Pothos aren't actually Pothos? They're actually Epipremnum aureum - there is a such thing as a true Pothos though. If you'd like to read more on that check out this post. For the purpose of this post I will be referring to them as their scientific names - P. hederaceum & E. aureum for short.
1. Leaf Face
P. hederaceum have a more pronounced heart shape with a longer, sharper leaf tip than E. aureum, which is a little more rounded overall. E.aureum has more pronounced veining.
2. Leaf Profile
P. hederaceum has a much flatter leaf blade than the more curved E. aureum.
3. New Growth
New leaves on P. hederaceum emerge from a cataphyll (a modified leaf that is separate from the petiole) and will eventually dry up and turn orange/brown before falling off on their own or being removed. New leaves on E. aureum emerge from a petiolar sheath (a cataphyll-like structure that is attached to the petiole). On E. aureum these petiolar sheaths will eventually dry up and turn brown, but will stay attached to the petiole unless removed.
4. Vine Shape
P. hederaceum vines grow in a more sharp & angular way than the vines of E. aureum, which grow more smooth and curved.
5. Aerial Roots
P. hederaceum usually have clusters of small aerial roots all around the circumference of each node. E. aureum typically have one thick aerial root just below each node with others scattered along the internode (the area of stem between each node) on the bottom side of the vine.
6. Petioles
P. hederaceum has smooth petioles (the 'leaf stem' that connects each leaf to the vine) while E. aureum have grooved petioles from the leaves emerging from the petiolar sheaths - this grooved area is called a sulcate canal.
If you're interested in learning more about the parts that make up a plants - head over to my Phytomorphology & Propagation page for plenty of infographics!
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