Family: Marantaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Goeppertia cylindrica, commonly known as green ice, is native to Brazil, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Southeast regions, where it grows in warm, humid tropical forests as an understory plant. A member of the Marantaceae (prayer plant) family, it is prized for its attractive foliage, featuring elongated, lance-shaped leaves with subtle striping and a rich green color. The plant forms compact, clumping growth, making it well-suited for shaded garden beds, container planting, and indoor cultivation. Green ice thrives in filtered light and high humidity, and is commonly used as an ornamental to add a lush, tropical aesthetic to interiorscapes, patios, and shaded landscapes.

Risks & Threats:
This species is considered low risk and is not known to be invasive in Hawaii or elsewhere. Goeppertia cylindrica spreads slowly and primarily through vegetative division, limiting its ability to establish outside of cultivation. It does not exhibit aggressive growth or competitive behavior with native plants. There are no significant reports of ecological harm, toxicity, or impacts to agriculture associated with this species. With responsible gardening practices, such as proper disposal of plant material, green ice remains a safe and beneficial ornamental choice.

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
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds, if produced, may be dispersed by ants, birds and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds, if produced, may persist in the soil
  
• Limited seed production may reduce risk of inadvertent dispersal

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