GROUP 4: Medbio 2 Block 2
Bantolinao, Carlin Rose
Culanag, Serglornen
Favila, Armie Joyce
Resuma, Karla Mae Veronica
FINAL PAPER
INTRODUCTION
The fundamental component of life on Earth is plants, which give us food,
oxygen, and shelter. They are also necessary to keep the planet’s ecosystem and
temperature stable. The cultural and economic significance of plants is vast.
Because they are autotrophs, they can use photosynthesis to create their own food.
Because of their extraordinary capacity, they are able to absorb solar energy and
transform it into organic substances like sugars, which serve as the foundation of the
food chain. Plants emit oxygen into the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This
gas is essential for respiration, and it regulates the manner in which organisms
transform food into energy. Plants are crucial components of Earth’s ecosystems,
fulfilling vital roles that sustain life as we know it.
Although mostly seen in the environment of the Philippines, tropical America
is home to the genus Calathea, which is a member of the Marantaceae family of
flowering plants. They are commonly called Calatheas or prayer plants. The leaves
of some Calathea species fold up at night, hence the name "prayer plant". There are
roughly 60 species in the genus, several of which are common houseplants. The
stunning leaves of Calathea are well-known for their array of hues and patterns.
Although they do require certain special circumstances, Calatheas are generally
easy to care for. They like warm, muggy settings with soft lighting. While frequent
watering is necessary, the soil should be given some time to dry out in between
applications. Calatheas should be routinely inspected for pests because they are
vulnerable to mealybugs and spider mites.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
● Calathea medallion- also known as Peacock Plant, is named for its
medallion-like foliage patterns. This Calathea variety has oval leaves with
white patterns on the middle and sides, while its undersides are of colour
purple or burgundy. It naturally propagates itself by expanding their root
system and sending new shoots up through the soil.
● Calathea silvia- is a bushy prayer plant with round leaves that have dark
green edges and emerge bright pink, but fade into light green over time. It is a
tropical houseplant that can handle a variety of indoor light conditions, bright
indirect is best.
● Calathea ornata- is a perennial plant that is part of the family known as the
prayer plants or the Maranta family. It is a tropical plant with snazzily striped
leaves, which is why it’s often called Pin-stripe Calathea. It is also not toxic to
pets at all, unlike so many tropical plants.
● Calathea cobra- is a variety with dark green leaves that have a white-
feathered pattern on the outer edges and deep burgundy undersides. The
plant develops pink flowers that last for over 3 months. Calatheas are popular
house plants because of their variegated leaves and vivid colours. Like other
members of the marantaceae family, this raises their leaves in the morning
and lowers them at night.
● Calathea zebrina- is commonly known as zebra plant, is noted for its striking
ornamental leaves which feature zebra-like stripes as suggested by both the
specific epithet and the common name. This is a compact, rhizomatous,
evergreen perennial that typically grows to 1-3' tall in containers. It grows
under the protection of large trees and other tropical plants, so it is
accustomed to receiving filtered, dappled light.
● Calathea roseopicta- or the Rose-painted Calathea, is a true showstopper
with velvety, dark green leaves accented by bright pink stripes and veins. The
red-purple undersides of the leaves are more visible at night when they fold
up. This plant is part of the prayer-plant family, with its large leaves facing up
as if praying.
● Calathea orbifolia- also known as the orbifolia prayer plant, is mainly
recognized for its striking green-striped leaves. The large, round leaves with
light green stripes are a striking feature, and the leaves curling up at night and
unfurling in the morning is a unique characteristic. This tropical plant is
cherished for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in indoor settings.
METHODOLOGY
DICHOTOMOUS KEY
CLADOGRAM
PHYLOGENETIC TREE
PICTURES OF DOCUMENTATION
PICTURES OF SPECIES
REFERENCES:
Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calathea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Calathea)
The Spruce: [https://thehealthyhouseplant.com/beginners-and-calatheas-best-tips-
and-types-for-new-plant-parents/](https://thehealthyhouseplant.com/beginners-and-
calatheas-best-tips-and-types-for-new-plant-parents/)
Houseplants: [https://www.thespruce.com/grow-calathea-indoors-1902745](https://
www.thespruce.com/grow-calathea-indoors-1902745)
Raven, P. H., Evert, R. F., & Eichhorn, S. E. (2005). Biology of plants (7 th ed.). W. H.
Freeman and Company.
Campbell, N. A., Reece, J. B., & Mitchell, L. G. (2014). Biology (9 th ed.). Pearson
Education, Inc.
Starr, C., Taggart, R., Evers, C. L., & Starr, L. (2012). Biology: The unity of life (13 th
ed.). Cengage Learning.
