Goeppertia metallica
| Goeppertia metallica | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Marantaceae |
| Genus: | Goeppertia |
| Species: | G. metallica |
| Binomial name | |
| Goeppertia metallica | |
| Synonyms | |
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Goeppertia metallica is a species of Goeppertia from the family Marantaceae. It is native to Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Brazil.[1]
Description
Goeppertia metallica is a medium-sized plant. It has wide, ovale, pointy green leaves set on a long petiole and long pulvinus. This species is often cultivated for its beautiful pattern above the leaves. The whole plant is polymorphic, meaning the color, shape, pattern changes on every specimen. The pattern usually consists of a broad, light green band on the middle vein, two broad, dark green bands along the light green band and two, thin white silvery bands along the dark green bands. As it is polymorphic, this pattern changes a lot, and can be dark green, entirely green, without the white bands or with a white band on the middle vein. The inflorescence of G.metallica is made of multiple bracts forming a pencil shaped spike. The bracts are hairy and can vary from purple to green. The flowers are not polymorphic, they will always be the same color, which is the key to identify this species. The flowers are white and have two, intense purple staminodes.[2]
Uses
In Ecuador, Goeppertia metallica is traditionally used to treat the fungal skin infection known as manchas blancas.[3] The roots are also used to treat other conditions such as coughs with blood, and excessive menstrual bleeding, by Cayapa and Colorado peoples, respectively.[4]
References
- ↑ "Goeppertia metallica (Planch. & Linden) Borchs. & S.Suárez | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2026-05-24.
- ↑ Kennedy, Helen; Maas, Hiltje; Hagberg, Mats (1988). Flora of Ecuador. Vol. 32. Botanical Institute, University of Gothenburg. ISBN 9788788702286.
- ↑ Barfod, Anders S.; Kvist, Lars Peter (1996). Comparative Ethnobotanical Studies of the Amerindian Groups in Coastal Ecuador. Biologiske Skrifter. Vol. 46. Det Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskab. ISBN 87-7304-274-9.
- ↑ Cerón, Carlos; Consuelo Montalvo, A.; Calazacón, Augusto; Toasa, Germán V. (2004). "Etnobotánica Tsáchila, Pichincha-Ecuador". Cinchonia. 5 (1): 109–194.