Family: Marantaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Goeppertia makoyana, also called brainplant, cathedral-windows, or peacockplant, comes from the lush rainforests of Brazil. Its leaves are the real showstopper—oval-shaped with beautiful patterns of dark and light green that look like a peacock’s feathers or the folds of a brain. At night, the leaves fold up in a gentle “prayer” motion, which makes it even more fascinating to watch. People love growing this plant indoors or in shady garden spots, where it adds a touch of tropical beauty and a unique conversation piece.

Risks & Threats:
Good news—Goeppertia makoyana is low-risk in Hawaii. It’s not invasive and doesn’t harm native plants or ecosystems. The main thing to watch is keeping it happy in the garden or home: it likes shade, consistent watering, and protection from cold or dry conditions. As long as it’s cared for in the right spots, it’s a safe, stunning addition to any plant collection.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Calathea species have become invasive. Formerly classified in genus
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Possibly reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes
  
• Seeds, if produced, may be dispersed by ants, birds and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds, if produced, may persist in the soil
  
• May be able to resprout from rhizomes after cutting or damage to top foliage

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Ornamental
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Requires specialized pollinators
  
• Limited or no seed production may reduce risk of inadvertent dispersal