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
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Peace Lily
Regel, 1877
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tufted, acaulescent evergreen perennial herb growing from a creeping rhizome. It features dense clusters of glossy, dark green, lanceolate-to-oblong leaves with prominent veins and long, slender petioles. The distinctive inflorescence features an erect, creamy-white, leaf-like spathe that gracefully arches over a central, yellowish-white cylindrical spadix.
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).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.Regel, 1877
Record Completeness
66%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.
Primary Producer
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 deeply shaded tropical forest floors and damp margins of streams and rivers in Central and South America, particularly within Colombia and Venezuela. It thrives in high-humidity, wet, organic-rich forest soils away from direct solar radiation.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
Forms extensive, stabilizing colonies along damp tropical forest floor floors. Its dense root and rhizome networks binder moist organic soils, effectively reducing bank erosion during localized flooding while providing humid microhabitats for amphibians.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 - 80.0 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 exceptional sciophytic (shade-loving) efficiency, utilizing highly specialized foliar epidermal cells and rich chlorophyll matrices that allow the plant to conduct photosynthesis under low light intensities found at the forest floor.
Defends its soft herbaceous tissues against generalist forest herbivores through the systemic accumulation of microscopic, needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystal raphides, which cause extreme mechanical irritation and burning upon ingestion.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
No broad conservation threats threaten this species. Wild populations face localized pressures from illegal poaching for the ornamental plant trade and habitat loss caused by regional wetlands drainage and urban expansion.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name 'Peace Lily' derives from the pure white spathes which closely resemble white flags hoisted as a universal signal of surrender or truce.