monstera
/mɒnˈstɪərə
/noun
A large tropical American climbing plant of the arum family, which typically has divided or perforated leaves and corky aerial roots. Several kinds are cultivated as indoor plants when young.
- Genus Monstera, family Araceae: several species, including the Swiss cheese plant.
- Her last design, a tall stand, displayed large palm leaves and monstera leaves.
- Finally, a large urn containing a tall piece of dried contorted hazel was surrounded by monstera leaves, asparagus fern, Scots pine, palm leaves and larch branches.
Origin
Modern Latin, perhaps from Latin monstrum 'monster' (because of the unusual appearance of the leaves in some species).