About Maianthemum gigas (Woodson) LaFrankie
Maianthemum gigas grows 0.8 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet) tall from a base of forked rhizomes. Roots are scattered evenly along each rhizome unit. Stems are leaning or arching, leafy, and usually bear 10 to 16 leaves spaced 3 to 5.5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) apart. Both recognized varieties of this species, M. gigas var. crassipes and M. gigas var. gigas, have been recorded in Chiapas, Mexico, and Guatemala. M. gigas var. gigas is the more widespread variety, and is additionally found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panamá. This species consists of terrestrial or epiphytic herbs that grow across a broad elevation range, from 900 meters up to over 3000 meters. M. gigas var. crassipes is rare, while M. gigas var. gigas is widespread and is often found growing on the ground in forest openings and alongside roadsides.
