Calathea elliptica (Roscoe) K.Schum.
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Authority
Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.
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Family
Marantaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Species Description - Herbs to 2 m tall. Leaves: petiole winged for ca. 1/2 length; blade often purplish abaxially, juvenile ones with whitish lines along major secondary veins. Inflorescences often on separate leafless shoot, the peduncle usually 30-50 cm long, the flower-bearing part 5-9 x 4-6 cm, with laxly arranged, spreading bracts, the bracts greenish when young, but soon fading, prematurely dying off apically, the flower pairs distinctly pedunculate. Flowers whitish to cream throughout. Fruits orange; seeds blue with white aril.
Distribution and Ecology - Fl (Jan, Feb, Apr); fr (Mar, Apr, May, Jun); common in light gaps and at edges of both primary and secondary forests, with wide edaphic amplitude.