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
Calathea warscewiczii
Jungle Velvet
(Mathieu) Planch. & Linden
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, erect tropical perennial herb famous for its luxurious, velvety-textured leaves. The upper leaf surface is dark green with a striking, light green fishtail or feathered pattern along the primary vein, while the underside exhibits a magnificent, solid deep purple or burgundy coloration. Its inflorescences are short-lived, cone-like spikes of spirally arranged bracts that transition from white to cream, protecting small, tubular white flowers.
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Anonymous Curator
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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.Calathea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Mathieu) Planch. & Linden
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 dense, highly humid lowland rainforest understories of Central America, primarily from Nicaragua and Costa Rica to Panama. It thrives exclusively in deep shade or dappled light environments with high atmospheric humidity, warm stable equatorial temperatures, and highly organic, porous, well-draining moist soils containing abundant decaying leaf litter.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, evergreen clump-forming understory geophyte. It coordinates continuous vegetative expansion through subterranean rhizomes. It is heavily defined by its active circadian rhythm, modifying its physical leaf leaf canopy alignment twice daily via osmotic pressure alterations within the pulvini.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)
50.0 - 120.0 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
Exhibits specialized nictinasty through a pulvinus organ at the leaf base, folding its leaves vertically at night to reduce moisture loss and prevent rain accumulation, and lowering them during the day to maximize photon capture under the dense canopy.
The velvety upper leaf surface is covered in microscopic epidermal cells that trap and diffuse low-intensity forest floor light, while the rich anthocyanin pigment layer underneath reflects escaped photons back through the tissue for secondary absorption.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Local wild clusters are vulnerable to habitat destruction and degradation via deforestation and rainforest clearing for agricultural usage in Central America, but the species is exceptionally secure globally due to massive international micropropagation as an indoor houseplant.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The genus name honors Józef Warszewicz, a prominent 19th-century Polish botanist and plant collector who extensively explored Central and South America, discovering this species in the mid-1800s.
Members of the Marantaceae family are collectively called 'prayer plants' because of their daily movement. The folding action resembles hands pressed together in prayer at dusk.