Family: Marantaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Stromanthe jacquinii is native to tropical forests from Central America to Ecuador, where it grows as an understory plant in warm, humid environments. It is a member of the prayer plant family (Marantaceae) and is valued for its attractive, often patterned foliage with bold greens and contrasting undersides of the leaves. In cultivation, it is typically grown as an ornamental houseplant or in shaded tropical landscapes, appreciated for its lush, decorative appearance and ability to add color and texture to indoor and garden settings.

Risks & Threats
This species is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi and is generally considered low risk. It does not currently show traits associated with aggressive spread in local ecosystems. However, as with many ornamental tropical plants, ongoing monitoring is still appropriate in Hawaiʻi’s vulnerable island environments. At present, Stromanthe jacquinii does not present significant invasive concerns, making it a suitable choice when selected responsibly in low-risk, shaded planting situations.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Stromanthe species have become naturalized and are potential weeds
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Able to resprout from rhizomes after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited information on cultivation outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Bird-pollination requirement may limit seed set in introduced range