Monstera is a genus of 59 species of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae, native to tropical regions of central and south America.

[3] They are evergreen vines, growing to heights of 20 metres (66 ft) in trees, climbing by means of aerial roots which act as hooks over branches; these roots will also grow into the soil to help support the plant.

[7] The flowers are borne on a specialized inflorescence called a spadix, 5–95 centimetres (2.0–37.4 in) long; the fruit is a cluster of berries, with significant variation in color, edible in some species.

The best-known representative of the genus, Monstera deliciosa, is also cultivated for its edible fruit which tastes like a combination of peach and pineapple.

As of November 2022[update] Plants of the World Online recognizes 70 accepted taxa (of 64 species and 6 infraspecific names):[2][8] Previously included:[clarification needed][citation needed] Commonly misidentified as Monstera: