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
Spathiphyllum friedrichsthalii
Friedrichsthal's Peace Lily
Schott
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, large-statured tropical perennial herb that forms dense, impressive clumps via thick underground rhizomes. It is characterized by its expansive, glossy, deeply veins dark green elliptic-oblong leaf blades held on elongated, sheathed petioles. The spectacular inflorescence features a large, narrowly oblong to elliptic spathe that emerges pristine white and gradually matures into a rich herbaceous green. This surrounds a prominent, heavily tuberculate, light-colored cylindrical spadix densely packed with prominently protruding, conical pistils.
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Anonymous Curator
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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).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Alismatales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Araceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Spathiphyllum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Schott
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.
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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 low-elevation tropical wet forests and humid transition zones of Central America and northwestern South America, ranging from Guatemala down through Costa Rica and Panama into Colombia. It thrives in hyper-humid environments, specifically localized along river margins, swamp borders, marshy depressions, and temporary wetlands, successfully tolerating seasonal flooding and waterlogged alluvial 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
Operates as a macro-herbaceous, clumping semi-aquatic geophyte. It drives dense localized territory dominance through its massive expanding underground rhizome system. It features specialized floral behavior, timing volatile pheromone releases from the spadix to maximize interactions with morning-active insect vectors.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 - 140.0 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
Equipped with specialized continuous aerenchyma tissue throughout its root and petiole structures, enabling efficient internal gas exchange and oxygen transport to survive prolonged periods of root anoxia during intense seasonal tropical floods.
The waxy texture and structural drip tips of its massive leaves accelerate rainwater runoff, preventing standing water films from blocking stomata and inhibiting optimal photosynthetic gas exchange in dark understory conditions.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). While its natural wetland habitats face local degradations due to drainage for cattle ranching, canalization, and pesticide runoff from nearby agricultural plantations, its broad distribution and resilient rhizomatous nature buffer it against critical declines.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The specific epithet 'friedrichsthalii' commemorates Emanuel von Friedrichsthal, a notable 19th-century Austrian botanist, explorer, and photography pioneer who intensively collected important plant specimens throughout Central America.
Unlike the smooth spadix found in common commercial ornamental peace lilies, Spathiphyllum friedrichsthalii possesses an exceptionally rough, 'spiky' looking spadix due to its high, sharp conical pistils.