Dieffenbachia spp.
FAMILY NAME Araceae
CHARACTERISTICS Large, heart-shaped green leaves with white spots and flecks up to 50cm (20in) long
HABITAT Tropical rainforests
DISTRIBUTION Native to Mexico, through Central America to northern South America and Argentina, and on several Caribbean islands
FLOWERS AND FRUIT Mature plants produce white or cream flower heads, followed by red berries
Also known as Mother-in-Law Plant and Tuftroot, the Dumb Cane may look ornamental but it has lots of uses. As a houseplant, it freshens the air as it eliminates significant amounts of toxins, giving it super air-filtering properties. In Brazil, it’s prized for an altogether different ability: it’s believed to keep negative energies at bay and provide some protection against the ‘evil eye’ and similar curses. For maximum effect it must be grown alongside specially chosen herbs including Rosemary, Basil and Rue.