Family: Marantaceae

Calathea majestica, also known as Goeppertia majestica, is a striking tropical plant native to the rainforests of South America. This tall, ornamental species is prized for its large, bold leaves, often featuring dramatic patterns and vibrant green tones, making it a popular choice for landscaping and indoor decoration. In addition to its decorative appeal, it can be grown in gardens and greenhouses, where it thrives in humid, shaded environments and adds a lush, tropical feel to any space.

While Calathea majestica is highly valued for its beauty, it does carry some risks if introduced outside controlled environments. Like other Calathea species, it has the potential to naturalize in tropical or subtropical regions, though there are currently no widespread reports of invasiveness. Care should be taken when planting it in the wild, as its growth habits could allow it to compete with native understory plants, potentially impacting local ecosystems. Monitoring and responsible cultivation are recommended to prevent unintended spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Reproduces vegetatively via rhizomes
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized beyond native range
  
• Not reported as a weed
  
• Lacks spines/thorns
  
• Non-toxic to animals and humans
  
• Requires specific, well-drained soil
  
• Poor seed production; rarely sets fruit
  
• Requires specialist pollinators (euglossine bees)
  
• Not a produce contaminant
  
• Seeds not wind-dispersed