Calathea crotalifera

Rattlesnake flower

With its striking bright yellow inflorescences reminiscent of a rattlesnake's rings, this tropical plant immediately catches the eye. Its lush foliage and unique blooms add color and dimension to shaded areas of tropical gardens.

Visible au jardin

Our Species

Rattlesnake flower

Nom scientifique :

Calathea crotalifera

Nom vernaculaire :

Rattlesnake

Carte d’identité
de l’espèce

Native to the tropical forests of America, the Rattlesnake Flower is a perennial plant prized for its elegant foliage and spectacular inflorescences. Adapted to warm and humid environments, it naturally thrives in the understory where light is filtered by the surrounding vegetation.

Famille :

Marantaceae

Origine géographique :

Tropical Central and South America

Taille :

1 to 2.5 m

Floraison :

Year-round, with a peak from May to November

Habitat :

tropical rainforests, understory, and partially to fully shaded gardens

Classe :

Liliopsida (Monocotylédones)

Ordre :

Zingiberales

A spectacular bloom with vibrant colors

The rattlesnake plant develops long green leaves borne on upright stems, forming large, elegant clumps. Its dense foliage remains ornamental year-round and helps create a lush tropical atmosphere.

Its main characteristic lies in its upright inflorescences, composed of bright yellow to orange bracts. Their shape evokes the rings of a rattlesnake, which is the origin of its common name. The actual flowers, more discreet, appear between these colorful bracts and renew themselves for several weeks.

This species thrives in soils rich in organic matter and requires regular moisture. In tropical gardens, it naturally finds its place in areas protected from direct sunlight where its foliage and blooms can fully flourish.

Like the porcelain roses, the alpinias or the heliconias, the rattlesnake plant contributes to the exceptional plant diversity of tropical gardens and captivates visitors with the originality of its shapes and colors.

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