Rhaphidophora is a genus of evergreen, robust climbing plants in the family Araceae, comprising about 100 species. The genus name is derived from Greek rhaphis which means needle, and phorein, to bear. Its distribution occurs from tropical Africa eastwards through Malesia and Australasia to the Western Pacific.
Rhaphidophora are climbers with aerial roots and heart-shaped, leathery leaves. The common species grow fairly rapidly, but the variegated species is not very vigorous.
R. aurea is a climber attaching itself by means of aerial roots. Its leaves are usually heart-shaped, with oblique at the tip, and the surface is marked with yellow streaks and blotches. Mature leaves are frequently incised.
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