Ornata Calathea

“Calathea ornata” (see below)

Calathea majestica (Linden) H. Kenn. Canad. Jour. Bot. 64: 1325. 1986.

 ka-lay-THEE-uh mah-JES-tah-ka

(Pronunciation note:   Although some sources use the pronunciation ka-LAY-the-ah, STD, who we take to be the ultimate authority, uses ka-la-THEE-ah)

Marantaceae

Explanation of name:  Calathea comes from Greek kalathos for basket (STD). Ornate, adorned

Taxonomic note: Material in cultivation as “Calathea ornata (Linden) Koern.” pertains to C. majestica (See: “Calathea ornata and relatives, an ornate confusion by H. Kennedy, ISHS Acta Horticulturae 413: Int. Symposium on Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants.  “Calathea ornata died out in horticulture after 15 years and was replaced by the more vigorous C. majestica, but the earlier name was erroneously applied to it and has continued in use.”

Recognition: Grown for its foliage, this species has burgundy shiny/glossy-textured dark rounded leaves set off by numerous closely spaced pink or white pinstripes on top.  Blades purplish beneath. Divide by root ball. Flowers are sterile. (DT)

Natural Range: Brazil (DAV)

Landscape uses: Interior or exterior shaded protected area