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
Heliconia mathiasiae
Mathias' Heliconia
Daniels & Stiles
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
An erect, clump-forming tropical perennial herb. It features large, musoid (banana-like) green leaves and a striking, erect inflorescence. The inflorescence is characterized by distinct, slightly pubescent or velvety orange-red to bright red bracts that hold small, tubular yellow or green flowers.
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).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.Daniels & Stiles
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 wet tropical rainforests, forest light gaps, and secondary successional vegetation of Central America, particularly abundant in Costa Rica and Panama. It thrives in humid lowlands and premontane wet forests, preferring moist, fertile, organic soils in partial shade or forest edges.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
Acts as an opportunistic pioneer species in tropical forest successions. Its rapid growth helps stabilize damp tropical soils in freshly opened forest clearings, utilizing the sudden abundance of light to trigger heavy flowering cycles.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)
120.0 - 250.0 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 stiff, boat-shaped bracts of the inflorescence are adapted to retain rainwater, creating small aquatic micro-habitats (phytotelmata) that protect the delicate developing flowers and ovaries from herbivorous insects and dehydration.
Features a slight pubescence (fine hairs) on its bracts and stems, which helps reduce water loss from surface evaporation and deters tiny crawling predators from reaching the reproductive structures.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation driven by local deforestation for cattle pasture expansion and infrastructure development, though it readily colonizes disturbed forest edges and clearings.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The species was named in honor of Dr. Mildred Esther Mathias, a prominent American botanist who made vast contributions to tropical plant taxonomy and conservation during the 20th century.