Gonatopus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, consisting of five species. This genus is native to and southeastern Africa and is closely related to the genus Zamioculcas.
Description
Vegetative characteristics Gonatopus are terrestrial,Hyde, M.A., Wursten, B.T., Ballings, P. & Coates Palgrave, M. (2026). Flora of Mozambique: Genus page: Gonatopus. https://www.mozambiqueflora.com/speciesdata/genus.php?genus_id=300, retrieved 4 January 2026 rhizomatous or tuberous,Gonatopus. (n.d.). Pacific Bulb Society. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Gonatopus seasonally dormant herbseMonocot Team Gonatopus - Engl. CATE Araceae https://cate-araceae.myspecies.info/taxonomy/term/7983 (accessed 4 January 2026) with large, solitary mostly petiolate, or rarely decurrent leaves. Generative characteristics The plant bears 1–4 inflorescences. The unisexual flowers have four fleshy tepals. The stigma is capitate. The orange, red, yellow, or white, ovoid to ellipsoid berry bears 1–2 ovoid to ellipsoid seeds.
Taxonomy It was described by Adolf Engler in 1879.Candolle, Alphonse de, & Candolle, Casimir de. (1878). Monographiæ phanerogamarum : Prodromi nunc continuatio, nunc revisio (Vol. 2, p. 208). vol.1-8, G. Masson ; vol.9, Masson & Cie. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/31869872Gonatopus Engl. (n.d.). Plants of the World Online. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:2793-1 It is closely related to the genus Zamioculcas.Hetterscheid, W. (n.d.). The Genus Gonatopus. International Aroid Society. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from http://www.aroidsociety.org/genera/generapage.php?genus=gonatopus Species It has five species: Gonatopus angustus Gonatopus boivinii Gonatopus clavatus Gonatopus marattioides Gonatopus petiolulatus
Cultivation The most commonly found Gonatopus species in private collections and botanical gardens is Gonatopus boivinii. Its common name giraffe's kneesGonatopus boivinii. (n.d.). Atlas of Florida Plants. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant/species/5018Gonatopus boivinii (Giraffe’s Knees). (2024, February 16). Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/gonatopus_boivinii.htmSingapore Government. (n.d.). Gonatopus boivinii (Decne.) Engl. NParks. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/5/5562 is derived from the resemblance of the swollen part of the petiole with the knee of a giraffe.Tyler, A. (2024, June 21). Celebrate World Giraffe Day with a Twist: Discover the Giraffe’s Knees Plant! Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://cincinnatizoo.org/celebrate-world-giraffe-day-with-a-twist-discover-the-giraffes-knees-plant/ Since Gonatopus boivinii is tropical in origin, it may be grown as an indoor plant. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant,Gonatopus boivinii (GPSBO). (n.d.). EPPO Global Database. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/GPSBO and may display mottled and spotted colouration on the leaves and the inflorescence. The plants should be kept warm, and in filtered light or light shade.Giraffe’s Knees (Gonatopus boivinii). (n.d.). National Gardening Association. Retrieved January 4, 2026, from https://garden.org/plants/view/458751/Giraffes-Knees-Gonatopus-boivinii/ After the growing season, the tubers can be stored outside of the soil.
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