Monstera is a genus of 45 species of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae, native to tropical regions of the Americas. The genus is named from the Latin word for "monstrous" or "abnormal", and refers to the unusual leaves with natural holes that members of the genus have.
Scientists have looked at the different types of Monstera to examine why exactly they have holes or splits and apparently it is to do with sun flecks and the need for plants to optimise these for their photosynthesis. In an area of rainforest where the canopy is thick, it is important to make the most of the sunlight that does get through. The holes can apparently be more efficient and reliable for utilising these sun flecks for photosynthesis compared to leaves without them.
Here’s another good fact that shows how clever this plant is: the leaves sort of fan and spread out, rather than uncurling directly above each other. It is thought that this helps to avoid the lower leaves being put into the shade by the upper ones!
Also, in the case that there’s heavy rain or strong winds, the raindrops and powerful breezes will pass straight through the holes in the leaves, allowing this plant to survive in the harsh conditions of the rainforest. How amazing is that?