Status:
valid
Authors:
Nees & Mart.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1823
Citation Micro:
Nova Acta Phys.-Med. Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 11(1): 25 (1823)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000466711
Common Names
- Maranta cristata
- Cristata Maranta
- Crested Maranta
Synonyms
- Calathea bicolor Steud. [unknown]
- Calathea kerchoveana hort. ex Gentil [unknown]
- Goeppertia bicolor Nees [unknown]
- Maranta bicolor Ker Gawl. [unknown]
- Thalia bicolor K.Koch [unknown]
- Thalia colorata Vell. [unknown]
Description
Maranta cristata (also called Maranta, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Marantaceae. It is native to South America, where it is found in moist forests and along riverbanks. It has a creeping habit and grows to a height of about 1 m. Its leaves are lanceolate and have a glossy green color.
Uses & Benefits
Maranta cristata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating fever, headache, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Maranta cristata has small, white flowers with yellow centers and dark purple veins. The seeds are small, round, and black. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Maranta cristata is a perennial herb native to tropical regions of South America. It can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining medium and kept moist until germination. Division should be done in spring or early summer. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and a well-draining medium.
Where to Find Maranta cristata
Maranta cristata is native to the Caribbean region, including parts of Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. It can be found in moist, shady areas, such as meadows, woodlands, and streambanks.
Maranta cristata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Maranta cristata?
Maranta cristata
What is the common name of Maranta cristata?
Maranta
What type of plant is Maranta cristata?
Herbaceous perennial
Species in the Maranta genus
Maranta amazonica,
Maranta amplifolia,
Maranta anderssoniana,
Maranta arundinacea,
Maranta bracteosa,
Maranta burchellii,
Maranta cordata,
Maranta cristata,
Maranta cyclophylla,
Maranta divaricata,
Maranta foliosa,
Maranta friedrichsthallana,
Maranta furcata,
Maranta gibba,
Maranta hatschbachiana,
Maranta humilis,
Maranta incrassata,
Maranta leuconeura,
Maranta lindmanii,
Maranta linearis,
Maranta longipes,
Maranta longiscapa,
Maranta noctiflora,
Maranta parvifolia,
Maranta phrynioides,
Maranta pleiostachys,
Maranta pluriflora,
Maranta pohliana,
Maranta protracta,
Maranta pycnostachys,
Maranta ruiziana,
Maranta rupicola,
Maranta sobolifera,
Maranta subterranea,
Maranta tuberculata,
Maranta zingiberina,
Maranta longiflora,
Maranta coriacea,
Maranta pulchra,
Maranta rugosa,
Maranta bracteosa,
Maranta parvifolia,
Maranta polystachya,
Species in the Marantaceae family
Afrocalathea rhizantha,
Calathea anderssonii,
Calathea annae,
Calathea anulque,
Calathea argyrophylla,
Calathea arrabidae,
Calathea asplundii,
Calathea bachemiana,
Calathea brenesii,
Calathea caesariata,
Calathea cannoides,
Calathea casupito,
Calathea chimboracensis,
Calathea congesta,
Calathea crotalifera,
Calathea dicephala,
Calathea eburnea,
Calathea erythrolepis,
Calathea fatimae,
Calathea glaziovii,
Calathea grandifolia,
Calathea grazielae,
Calathea guzmanioides,
Calathea hagbergii,
Calathea harlingii,
Calathea inocephala,
Calathea ischnosiphonoides,
Calathea koernickeana,
Calathea lancifolia,
Calathea lanicaulis,
Calathea lasiostachya,
Calathea lateralis,
Calathea latrinotecta,
Calathea littoralis,
Calathea lutea,
Calathea majestica,
Calathea makoyana,
Calathea marantina,
Calathea mediopicta,
Calathea metallica,
Calathea micans,
Calathea nitens,
Calathea orbifolia,
Calathea ornata,
Calathea panamensis,
Calathea pavonina,
Calathea platystachya,
Calathea pluriplicata,
Calathea plurispicata,
Calathea propinqua,