Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura
FAMILY NAME Marantaceae
CHARACTERISTICS Broad, oval green leaves with red midrib and veins, up to 12cm (5in) long
HABITAT Tropical rainforests
DISTRIBUTION Brazil
FLOWERS AND FRUIT Tiny white flowers with purple spots in summer
Also known as the Rabbit’s Foot or Rabbit’s Track, this evergreen perennial has leaves that lie flat during daylight and stand erect at night, giving the appearance of hands clasped together in prayer. As it unfurls in the morning it makes a gentle rustling sound. Its intricately detailed leaves have red veins arranged in a feather-like pattern. The leaves sometimes have a red underside and the plants grow in clumps, usually in well-shaded areas.