Piptospatha is a genus in family Araceae native to Southeast Asia (Thailand to Borneo). Described as obligate rheophytes, they are only known to grow in running water on rocks.

The inflorescence, like most Aroids composed of a spathe and spadix, is nodding prior to fertilization. The spathe shields the spadix from rain allowing the beetle pollinators to do their work. Once pollinated, the peduncle straightens and most of the spathe falls away. The bottom of the spathe is fused and persistent (remains intact), forming a "splash cup". Once the seeds have ripened the fruits decompose into a gelatinous mass which is washed away by the rain, dispersing the seeds.

This photo of Piptospatha elongata shows both vertically oriented splash cups and an inflorescence with a portion of the spathe fallen away.


Photos of Bornean Piptospatha can be seen here: Araceae of Suna; Piptospatha

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