Calathea latifolia

Family: Marantaceae

What it is like

A herb without a stem. It grows 1-2 m tall. It produces large storage tubers. The leaf stalks are 7.5 cm long. The leaves are oblong to oval and taper to a short tip and are rounded at the base. They are 70 cm long and 30 cm wide. They have 2 colours with light purple strips near the midrib and edges. The leaf surface is pleated. The flower spikes occur singly and are 6-14 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They are on a stalk 7-30 cm long. The bracts are kidney shaped and arranged in spirals. The fruit capsule is oval and 1 cm long. There are usually 3 triangle shaped seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. They usually grow in clearings in the forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Colombia, Panama, Trinidad, Venezuela

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Tubers, root

How it is grown

Plants are pollinated by Euglossa bees.

Its other names

Local names

Bijao, Faldita morada, Sal

Synonyms

Alpinia latifolia Willd. ex Link; Calathea lanceolata Körn.; Phyllodes platyphylla Kuntze; Thalia latifolia (Willd. ex Link) Link; Thalia latifolia (Willd. ex Link) Link ex Schult.;