Monstera is a genus of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae, consisting of nearly 50 species. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, these plants are typically climbing vines that grow either on the ground (terrestrial) or on other plants (epiphytic). They are best known for their large, leathery leaves, which are often deeply lobed or fenestrated — a feature that makes them popular as ornamental houseplants.