Elatostema sp.

An easy to care for but slow-growing vine or climbing plant from Thailand with contrasting patterned leaves.

Elatostema belong to the stinging nettle family (Urticaceae), but don’t worry, they don’t sting. This unidentified species from Thai grows naturally on limestone rock (lithophytic) in the deep shade of the rainforests. It grows in the terrarium as ground cover or climbs, albeit quite slowly. The dark green leaves are surprisingly hard and have white spots. The inflorescences are formed on short stems and look like an X-shaped head of broccoli. Very bizarre.

It is easy to care for in the terrarium as long as it is not kept too moist, but grows slowly.