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
Reinhardtia gracilis
Window Pane Palm
(Wendl.) Burret
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, delicate, and multi-stemmed understory tropical palm. It is universally famous for its unique leaves, which feature naturally occurring perforations or 'windows' (fenestrations) near the base of the leaflets, along a slender, cane-like dark stem. It produces small, branched interfoliar inflorescences that yield tiny, dark purple to black oval fruits.
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).Arecales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Arecaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Reinhardtia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Wendl.) Burret
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.
--
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, pristine understory of wet tropical rainforests and premontane wet forests of Central America, extending from southern Mexico down to Panama. It strictly thrives in high-humidity, low-light environments, growing on well-drained, leaf-littered soils over limestone or volcanic substrates.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 a conservative, slow-growing climax species in undisturbed ecosystems. It is extremely sensitive to microclimate shifts; if the surrounding tree canopy is broken and lets in direct sunlight or dry wind, the palm quickly dehydrates and perishes.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 - 220.0 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 famous fenestrations ('windows') in the leaves allow heavy tropical rainstorms and strong downdrafts to pass clean through the foliage without tearing or snapping the delicate, slender stems in the understory.
Optimized chloroplast distribution within its ultra-thin, wide leaflet tissues captures extremely low-intensity ambient light filtering down through the multi-tiered primary forest canopy.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly threatened by commercial over-exploitation and illegal poaching for the international ornamental plant trade due to its exotic appearance, combined with severe habitat loss from primary forest clearing.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike most palms that rely on the wind or large mammals, Reinhardtia gracilis has a deeply specialized relationship with small forest insects and relies almost entirely on small birds to disperse its seeds.