Rhaphidophora hayi

Roof-Tile Rhaphidophora

Wild SpeciesCollector Species
££ · UncommonModeratePapuasia to northern Queensland (wet tropical forest)
Roof-Tile Rhaphidophora

Morphology

leaf ShapeEntire, ovate to elliptic, held flat against substrate in roof-tile overlapping pattern
leaf Length3-8 cm
leaf Width2-5 cm
petiole ColorVery short, green
venationVisible on entire green blade
textureSemi-glossy, thin to moderately coriaceous
variegationNone
growth HabitPermanently shingling with overlapping roof-tile leaf arrangement, adhesive roots, short internodes

About

Rhaphidophora hayi, described by Boyce and Bogner, is an adhesive climbing aroid from wet tropical forest spanning Papuasia to northern Queensland — its stem following tree trunks and firm surfaces closely, attaching by roots at the nodes while the entire leaves remain pressed flat against the support in a permanent shingling arrangement. The overlapping blades of this species create a characteristic roof-tile formation — the origin of its common name — and this pattern distinguishes hayi from related Rhaphidophoras that eventually produce projecting or divided adult foliage. Short internodes, adhesive roots and entire green leaves held completely flat are the defining features; the plant never leaves the shingling phase. In cultivation, hayi is grown mounted on flat bark panels, where it spreads laterally in a manner as architectural as it is botanical.

Climate Profile

OriginPapuasia to northern Queensland (wet tropical forest)
HumidityVery high humidity (80-90%)
Temperature20-30°C
LightLow to medium indirect light
FamilyAraceae
GenusRhaphidophora

Market Analysis

Price Guide & Market Data

Historical auction metrics and live retailer listings updated weekly.

AA PriceEstimate
£25 – £80
No price data — rarity tier shown above
Retail Price
Not tracked
Not currently stocked by tracked UK retailers
Market Trend
Price direction over the last 90 days

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No eBay auction history available yet. Data is collected automatically as sales appear on eBay UK.

Quick Facts

growth HabitPermanently shingling, adhesive climber
mature SizeMedium spreader (0.5-2m on flat bark panel)
lightLow to medium indirect light
humidityVery high humidity (80-90%)
temperature20-30°C
difficultyModerate to Advanced
growth SpeedSlow to Moderate
View Care Guide
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