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
Calathea lutea
Cigar Calathea
(Aubl.) Schult.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, majestic perennial tropical herb forming dense clumps of upright pseudostems. It is recognized by its giant, broad, paddle-shaped leaves that are bright green on top and coated with a striking, powdery white waxy layer underneath. It produces erect, cigar-like bronze or reddish-brown spikes holding small, tubular yellow 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).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.(Aubl.) Schult.
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.
Stable
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 lowlands of the Neotropics, spanning Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It thrives in open, wet tropical environments, including riverbanks, swamp edges, humid forest gaps, roadside ditches, and highly disturbed moist lowlands.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
A robust primary colonizer of disturbed damp soils that expands extensively through branching underground rhizomes to stabilize loose alluvial banks. Its enormous leaves form thick, high umbrellas that cycle substantial tropical rainfall directly into the ground through stemflow.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)
150.0 - 400.0 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 lower leaf surfaces feature a thick layer of white epicuticular wax that significantly reduces water loss through transpiration under direct sunlight and deters pests and fungal growth in waterlogged zones.
Possesses large pulvini (swollen structures at the leaf base) that allow the leaves to orient towards sunlight during cloudy conditions or fold vertically at night to reduce water loss.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Large-scale wetland drainage and conversion of alluvial valley soils for mechanized monoculture agro-industries, leading to local loss of moist wild floodplains.
Over-harvesting of the massive durable leaves in areas near indigenous and rural communities, where they are intensively gathered for use as traditional food wrappers and roofing thatch.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The tough leaves are highly prominent in Latin American gastronomy, where they are known as 'hoja de bijao' and used explicitly to wrap tamales, juanes, and fish, imparting a subtle herbal aroma during steaming.