Family: Marantaceae
Calathea lutea, commonly known as cigar calathea or platanillo, is a tropical plant in the Marantaceae family. Native to southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America, it is a tall, leafy perennial with large, paddle-shaped leaves. The plant is valued for its ornamental foliage and traditional practical uses, including wrapping food and crafting materials. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for tropical landscaping and garden displays.
Calathea lutea is considered High Risk in Hawai‘i due to traits that could allow it to establish outside cultivation. It can reproduce by seed and rhizomes, form dense stands, and its seeds can persist in soil and be spread by animals or humans. These characteristics give it the potential to outcompete native plants and alter local ecosystems if it escapes cultivation. While it is unarmed, non-toxic, and primarily ornamental, its ability to spread in tropical environments makes careful management important.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range might exceed 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Possibly naturalized
- Considered a crop weed in native range
- Forms dense stands in native range
- Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes
- May be self-compatible
- Seeds dispersed by ants, birds and intentionally by people
- Seeds, if produced, may persist in the soil
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Ornamental
- Non-toxic
- Requires specialized pollinators
- Limited seed production may reduce risk of inadvertent dispersal
