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Thalia geniculata L.

THAY-lee-ah jen-ick-you-LAY-tah

Explanation of name: Thalia was a Greek goddess. Geniculate means kinked, probably in reference to the zig-zag axis of the inflorescence.

Natural range: Florida native

Recognition: Very large rhizomatous aquatic perennial often seen in South Florida emerging from ditches and lakesides. The leaves resemble those of Heliconia. Long flowering stalks tower above the leaves and bear paired, mirror-image purplish flowers in zig-zagged branching inflorescences.

Landscape uses: Very large aquatic herb useful in ponds and similar habitats. The mirror-image purple flowers have a “mousetrap” spring action upon being probed. Thalia is the only genus of Marantaceae native to Florida.