This genus (from the Neotropics) and relatives are some of the dominant epiphytes or hemi-epiphytes in tropical forests.

The Swiss Cheese Plant, is named because of the "windows" in the leaves. The adaptive value of the fenestrations ("windows") is still debatable. This species starts rooted in the ground and grows towards the dark (i.e., tree trunks); once attached it grows up toward the light- hence it is a "roving" hemi-epiphyte. The fleshy fruits of the large spadix can be eaten, (pineapple-like flavor) thus the species epithet, but must be perfectly ripe or else they have toxic concentrations of glass-like calcium oxalate crystals within.