Would my variegated peace lily (Spathiphyllum) be considered a “true” Aroid?
Of course it is a “true” aroid, but it seems to have a viral variegation, as opposed to a chimeric variegation. In my experience, the chimeric variegation does not affect the normal shape of the leaf, only the presence or absence of chlorophyll and/or carotenoids (as in white or yellow variegates), but the viral variegation results in distorted, bumpy leaves in which the absence of chlorophyll is a pathologic symptom. I have seen Spathiphyllum with the chimeric variegation and each leaf is smooth and normal sized, only with the splashes and spots of white and shades of pale green variegation; very attractive, like on the variegated A. macrorrhizos.
