Also encountered as: Scindapsus aureus, Pothos aureus, Rhaphidophora aurea
Family: Araceae
Genus: Scindapsus - historical placement; currently Epipremnum
Species: Currently accepted as Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S.Bunting
Naming status: Historical botanical name; synonym of Epipremnum aureum
Origin / provenance: The accepted species Epipremnum aureum is native to Mo'orea in the Society Islands
Aureus has a documented botanical history extending across several genera in the family Araceae.
The plant was first published as Pothos aureus Linden & André in 1880. Adolf Engler transferred it to Scindapsus in 1908 as Scindapsus aureus (Linden & André) Engl.
The plant was subsequently placed in Rhaphidophora as Rhaphidophora aurea (Linden & André) Birdsey, published in 1963. George S. Bunting transferred it to Epipremnum, with Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S.Bunting published in 1964.
Modern taxonomic authorities accept Epipremnum aureum and treat Pothos aureus, Scindapsus aureus and Rhaphidophora aurea as synonyms based on the same original nomenclatural type.
The historical name Scindapsus aureus therefore does not represent an accepted species of Scindapsus today. It records an earlier botanical placement of the plant now accepted as Epipremnum aureum.
The accepted species is currently considered native to Mo'orea in the Society Islands and has been introduced widely throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
Variegated Greens classification: Historical botanical name; currently treated as a synonym of the accepted species Epipremnum aureum.
Research current as of September 2026.