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Maranta (genus)
Encyclopedia
Maranta, is a genus
of evergreen low growing plants native to tropical areas such as Southwest Asia
, and the West Indies. The genus is part of the Marantaceae
family which also contains other genera such as Calathea
and Stromanthe
. Maranta was named for Bartolommeo Maranti, an Italian physician and botanist of the sixteenth century. M. arundinacea is cultivated for Arrowroot
which is obtained from the roots.
About 20 species
are usually recognised.
They are have rhizomes and naturally form perennial clumps. The leaves
are undivided with sheathing stalks.
The flowers are small with three petals with two larger petal-like staminodes.
are grown as common houseplants in a warmish house or conservatory environment. They can be propagated through cuttings (2 - 3 leaves
) or by root
division
.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of evergreen low growing plants native to tropical areas such as Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia
Western Asia, West Asia, Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia are terms that describe the westernmost portion of Asia. The terms are partly coterminous with the Middle East, which describes a geographical position in relation to Western Europe rather than its location within Asia...
, and the West Indies. The genus is part of the Marantaceae
Marantaceae
The Marantaceae or arrowroot family is a family of flowering plants known for its large starchy rhizomes. It is sometimes called the prayer-plant family...
family which also contains other genera such as Calathea
Calathea
Calathea is a genus of plants belonging to the family Marantaceae. There are several dozen species in this genus. Native to the tropical Americas, many of the species are popular as pot plants due to their decorative leaves and, in some species, colorful inflorescences. They are commonly called...
and Stromanthe
Stromanthe
Stromanthe is a genus of plant in family Marantaceae. It contains the following species :* Stromanthe ramosissima, L.Andersson* Stromanthe porteana* Stromanthe sanguinea...
. Maranta was named for Bartolommeo Maranti, an Italian physician and botanist of the sixteenth century. M. arundinacea is cultivated for Arrowroot
Arrowroot
Arrowroot, or obedience plant , Bermuda arrowroot, araru, ararao, is a large perennial herb found in rainforest habitats...
which is obtained from the roots.
About 20 species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
are usually recognised.
They are have rhizomes and naturally form perennial clumps. The leaves
Leaves
-History:Vocalist Arnar Gudjonsson was formerly the guitarist with Mower, and he was joined by Hallur Hallsson , Arnar Ólafsson , Bjarni Grímsson , and Andri Ásgrímsson . Late in 2001 they played with Emiliana Torrini and drew early praise from the New York Times...
are undivided with sheathing stalks.
The flowers are small with three petals with two larger petal-like staminodes.
Cultivation
Some species such as Maranta leuconeura and Maranta arundinaceaArrowroot
Arrowroot, or obedience plant , Bermuda arrowroot, araru, ararao, is a large perennial herb found in rainforest habitats...
are grown as common houseplants in a warmish house or conservatory environment. They can be propagated through cuttings (2 - 3 leaves
Leaves
-History:Vocalist Arnar Gudjonsson was formerly the guitarist with Mower, and he was joined by Hallur Hallsson , Arnar Ólafsson , Bjarni Grímsson , and Andri Ásgrímsson . Late in 2001 they played with Emiliana Torrini and drew early praise from the New York Times...
) or by root
Root
In vascular plants, the root is the organ of a plant that typically lies below the surface of the soil. This is not always the case, however, since a root can also be aerial or aerating . Furthermore, a stem normally occurring below ground is not exceptional either...
division
Division (horticulture)
Division, in horticulture and gardening, is a method of asexual plant propagation, where the plant is broken up into two or more parts...
.
Species
- Maranta arundinacea L. - Arrowroot
- Maranta bicolor from Brazil and Guyana
- Maranta leuconeura E.Morren Prayer-Plant
- Maranta bicolor Ker Gawl.