Goeppertia crocata, flowering Calathea

Goeppertia crocata or Calathea saffron belongs to the Marantaceae family. It grows in the tropical forests of South and Central America. Although this rhizomatous plant has luxuriant foliage, like that of alocasia zebrina, it is above all its flowers that set it apart.

This perennial grows to between 50 and 70 centimetres, with a dense, bushy habit. Its upright stems support the evergreen foliage typical of saffron Calathea.

With its oblong, purple leaves on the underside, flowering Goeppertia is sometimes confused with goeppertia makoyana. But the dark green blades are streaked rather than spotted, unlike those of the peacock plant.

Goeppertia crocata foliage brightens up our interiors all year round. However, it's in spring and summer, when it blooms, that the plant reveals all its beauty. Saffron-yellow or orange bracts appear at the end of the rigid petiole. These enclose the true flower, a compact spike of red or pink. Although in the tropics, Calathea saffron blooms every year, it takes some effort to get it to bloom again outside its natural environment.

In addition to its ornamental qualities, Goeppertia crocata is said to have pollution-removing properties. Another special feature: when night falls, the plant folds its leaves with a rustling sound. It unfurls them again when the sun rises.