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
Heliconia vaginalis
Deflexed Heliconia
Benth.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An erect, evergreen rhizomatous perennial herb that forms dense clumps. It features alternate, distichous, lanceolate dark green leaves with prominent central veins and sheathing bases wrapped around a pseudostem. The striking terminal inflorescence is an erect spike consisting of 6 to 9 boat-shaped, coriaceous, brilliant red bracts arranged in a zig-zag pattern, from which tubular, bright yellow flowers emerge sequentially.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Platanilla enanaDeflexed HeliconiaPlatanilloHeliconia deflexaLobster-claw
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).Heliconiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Heliconia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Benth.
Record Completeness
84%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 humid tropical rainforest understory, permanent forest gaps, riverbanks, and disturbed secondary forests from Costa Rica through Panama, Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador. It thrives in hot, wet tropical lowlands and premontane zones, tolerating partial shade to full sun provided the soil remains highly organic, acidic, and consistently moist.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 herbaceous geophyte forming clusters in wet understories and forest margins. It expands its footprint via lateral rhizomatous spreading, actively generating new aerial pseudostems and producing continuous terminal spikes that stand rigid against rainforest environmental dynamics.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 - 300.0 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
Possesses robust underground rhizomes that store nutrients and moisture, allowing the plant to rapidly regenerate and colonize new space following canopy clearings, physical disturbances, or tree-fall events.
Developed boat-shaped, highly durable coriaceous bracts that protect developing flower buds from tropical downpours while maintaining an intense red coloration that targets the visual spectrum of avian pollinators over large distances.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). While localized sub-populations face threats from habitat fragmentation, clear-cutting for cattle ranching, and agricultural expansion in Central and South America, the species remains widespread and adaptable to edge habitats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The specific epithet 'vaginalis' comes from the Latin word for sheath, directly referencing the notable petiole bases that tightly envelop and clasp the pseudostem at the bottom of each leaf block.