PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Goeppertia makoyana
Peacock Plant
E.Morren
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An elegant, clump-forming tropical perennial herbaceous plant celebrated for its striking foliage. The thin, glossy, pale green-oval leaves feature a detailed dark green feathered or blotched pattern resembling a peacock tail. The undersides of the leaves are a deep, contrasting purplish-burgundy.
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).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zingiberales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Marantaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Goeppertia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.E.Morren
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 warm, highly humid tropical rainforests of eastern Brazil. It thrives exclusively in the deeply shaded understory floor, requiring constant warmth, sheltered environments, and moist, organic soils protected from direct sunlight.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
Exhibits distinct nyctinastic movements controlled by circadian rhythms and light changes. During the day, the leaf blades deploy horizontally to absorb diffuse light, while at dawn and dusk, they adjust angle to follow light levels.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)
30.0 - 50.0 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
The deep purple-red pigment (anthocyanin) on the leaf undersides acts as a light reflector, bouncing light waves back through the leaf tissue to maximize photosynthetically active radiation capture in the dark forest floor.
Possesses specialized joints called pulvini at the base of the leaves, altering water pressure to dynamically fold leaves vertically at night and unfold them during daylight to optimize light exposure and reduce moisture loss.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction and fragmentation of the highly biodiverse Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) due to agricultural clearing, urban expansion, and illegal logging.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Because its leaves tilt upwards at night, it is widely referred to as a 'prayer plant'—a characteristic shared across members of the Marantaceae family.