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 pogonantha
Beefsteak Heliconia
Cufod., 1933
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Giant herbaceous plant that can reach 7 meters in height. It is distinguished by its enormous hanging (pendulous) inflorescences up to 2 meters long, composed of intense red bracts covered in a dense velvety or woolly fuzz.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
PlatanilloPico de parika
Hairy heliconiaHeliconia lanudaTaxonomyBiological 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.Cufod., 1933
Record Completeness
93%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.
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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.
Wet Season
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 low-lying tropical rainforests of Central America and northwestern South America. It prefers roadsides, forest clearings, and riverbanks with high humidity and partial sunlight.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
It is a fast-growing species that blooms year-round in stable climates. Its bracts accumulate rainwater (phytotelmata), creating microhabitats for various aquatic organisms.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)
300.0 - 700.0 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
Dense fuzz on the bracts that may serve as protection against herbivory or excess water.
Large surface area leaves to maximize light capture in the lower levels of the rainforest.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Destruction of riparian habitats and fragmentation of humid forests.
Excessive harvesting of inflorescences for the ornamental market due to its exotic appearance.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is nicknamed 'Beefsteak' or 'Monkey Head' due to the hairy and voluminous appearance of its hanging bracts.
The flowers of pendulous heliconias tend to produce more diluted nectar than erect species to adapt to hermit hummingbirds.