PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pachystachys lutea
Golden Shrimp Plant
Nees
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An upright, evergreen tropical shrub characterized by its lance-shaped, prominent-veined, dark green leaves and spectacular erect spike inflorescences. The spikes are composed of overlapping, bright golden-yellow bracts that closely resemble a shrimp. Out of these bracts emerge short-lived, narrow, tubular, two-lipped white true flowers.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lamiales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Acanthaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pachystachys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Nees
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
--
Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the lowland forest understory and humid valleys of Peru and adjacent tropical regions of South America. It thrives in frost-free subtropical and tropical environments, preferring high humidity, warm temperatures, filtered light or partial shade, and rich, organically complex, moist but porous soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Functions as a stationary sciophilous (shade-loving) shrub under canopy layers. It displays a steady vegetative growth habit, expanding its clump size laterally through basal branching while continuously maintaining active, year-round terminal blooming structures in favorable humid environments.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 150.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Features broad, highly veined dark leaves specialized in maximizing light capture within the deeply shaded forest floors and lower understory clearings of native tropical rainforests.
Evolved neon-bright yellow bracts that remain vibrant for months, serving as long-lasting, highly visible visual flags to guide avian pollinators through dark forest strata toward the nectar hidden inside the short-lived white flowers.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Local populations are subject to habitat loss via agricultural conversion in the Peruvian Amazon region, but the species is secure globally due to intensive commercial production as an indoor houseplant and warm-climate landscaping shrub.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The common names 'shrimp plant' and 'lollipop plant' come from the structure of the inflorescence. While the yellow 'body' is often mistaken for the blossom, it is actually a stack of protective leaves; the true flower lasts only a few days before dropping.