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
Renealmia alpinia
Renealmia
(Rottb.) Maas
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, robust aromatic perennial herb that grows from thick underground rhizomes. It features erect pseudostems with large, lance-shaped leaves, and produces a separate basal inflorescence with reddish bracts that hold small yellow or orange flowers, which later develop into prominent blackish-purple berries.
Added by
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).Zingiberaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Renealmia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Rottb.) Maas
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
Widely distributed throughout the tropical rainforests of Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. It thrives in humid, shady environments, particularly along riverbanks, moist forest understories, disturbed forest clearings, and low-altitude wet woodlands.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
An aggressive understory colonizer that spreads via rhizomatous growth to form dense clonal stands. It maintains structural presence year-round, shedding old pseudostems as new ones emerge, providing continuous ground cover and soil stabilization in wet forest areas.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)
100.0 - 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
Developed an extensive, robust underground rhizome system that allows the plant to efficiently store nutrients, survive physical damage from tropical floods, and quickly regenerate new shoots.
Large leaves maximize sunlight capture in the dense, low-light conditions of the forest understory, while their smooth, waxy surfaces facilitate water runoff to prevent fungal infections.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation caused by widespread deforestation, logging, and infrastructure development, which dries out the humid microclimate required for its survival.
Local over-exploitation for traditional medicinal uses and local culinary purposes, as parts of the plant are intensively harvested from wild populations in certain regions.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The berries of this plant produce a dense, bright red or purple juice that has been historically utilized by indigenous tribes as a natural dye for textiles, body paint, and artwork.