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
Stromanthe sanguinea
Stromanthe
(Hook.) Sond.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A vigorous, erect tropical perennial herb that forms dense, thick clumps. It features large, glossy, lance-shaped leaves with an olive-green upper surface, which is frequently variegated with cream, pink, and white streaks. The underside displays a magnificent, solid reddish-purple to deep blood-red coloration. Its terminal inflorescences are branched, striking panicles composed of vivid cherry-red bracts that house small, tubular white or light pink flowers.
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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).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.Stromanthe
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Hook.) Sond.
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 humid, shaded understory and forest floors of the Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica) in eastern Brazil. It thrives in frost-free subtropical and tropical environments, requiring partial to deep shade, high atmospheric humidity, protection from direct midday sun, and rich, organic-rich, consistently moist but well-aerated 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 an erect, perennial clump-forming geophyte. It drives steady subterranean rhizomatous spread to expand its colonial cluster size. The organism is heavily defined by its active circadian rhythm, utilizing internal turgor pressure changes within its pulvini to reorient its leaf blades to light variations.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)
40.0 - 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
Utilizes a specialized pulvinus organ located at the junction of the petiole and leaf blade to perform nictinastic movements, raising its leaves vertically at night to preserve moisture and lowering them during the day to capture low-intensity understory sunlight.
The deep blood-red undersides are heavily packed with anthocyanin pigments that function as a biological mirror, reflecting light that passes through the leaf back into the photosynthetic cells to maximize energy production in dim conditions.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Localized populations face pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest due to urbanization and agriculture, but the species is secure globally due to extensive commercial cultivation as an ornamental indoor plant.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The specific epithet 'sanguinea' stems from the Latin word for blood, directly describing the intense, striking crimson-red coloration that blankets the underside of every leaf.
Commonly sold in nurseries under the cultivar name 'Triostar', it is a favorite for interior design due to its capability to constantly shift the plant visual color balance between green, white, pink, and deep red as the leaves move throughout the day.