Family: Marantaceae
Author: Eichl.
Bibliography: Abh. Königl. Akad. Wiss. Berlin 1883:80. 1884
Year: 1884
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Stromanthe
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trinidad, S. Mexico to S. Trop. America
Description
Stromanthe, scientifically known as Stromanthe tonckat, is an exquisite tropical plant highly appreciated for its striking foliage and ornamental appeal. This captivating member of the Marantaceae family is native to regions ranging from Trinidad and southern Mexico to the sprawling expansive landscapes of South Tropical America.
The enchanting beauty of the Stromanthe lies in its broad, lush leaves, which often exhibit a mesmerizing array of colors. Typically showcasing a combination of deep green, cream, and vibrant pink hues, these leaves possess a remarkable variegation that can light up any indoor space, bringing a touch of the tropics indoors. As part of its survival strategy in the wild, the undersides of the leaves often display a distinctive reddish, purple, or magenta tone, which adds to the plant’s visual allure.
Stromanthe tonckat thrives in environments that mimic its natural tropical habitat. It prefers warm temperatures and high humidity levels, making it ideally suited for cultivated growth in greenhouses or indoor settings where similar conditions can be artificially maintained. The plant grows best in well-draining soil and requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, it flourishes in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain the vibrant coloration of its foliage.
The roots of Stromanthe in diverse, lush ecosystems extend beyond its mere ornamental use. Locally, it may have been employed in traditional practices, even though specific historical anecdotes about its cultural significance are sparse.
First described in Abhandlungen der Königlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Berlin during the year 1883 (published in 1884) by the botanist Eichler, Stromanthe tonckat has intrigued plant enthusiasts and botanical scholars alike. Eichler’s seminal work helped catalogue and bring attention to the unique floral diversity of tropical America, highlighting the significance of this species within its family and region.
In summary, Stromanthe tonckat, with its vibrant and decorative foliage, stands as an appealing plant both for its ornamental value and its botanical interest. Originating from the rich biodiversity of Central and South America, it continues to captivate and inspire those who cultivate it, echoing its lush, tropical origins.
Common Names
Eng: stromanthe
En: Stromanthe
Synonyms
- Maranta fruticosa (Stokes)
- Stromanthe villosa ((Körn.) Eichler ex Petersen)
- Stromanthe tonckat var. latifolia (Huber)
- Thalia pilosa ((Humb. ex Link) K.Koch)
- Thalia pubescens (Willd. ex Link)
- Maranta villosa (Körn.)
- Maranta tonckat (Aubl.)
- Maranta racemosa (A.Dietr.)
- Maranta pardina (E.J.Lowe & W.Howard)
- Thalia racemosa (Humb. ex Link)
- Maranta angustifolia (Sims)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 5, 2013 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jun 5, 2013 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Sep 15, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2761277)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1052955-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stromanthe tonckat (Aubl.) Eichler)