1. The first of these unusual leafy plants belongs to the “Zebra Plant,” also known as Aphelandra sp. (Figure 1). It is an evergreen shrub, 1 to 2 m tall, with long (up to 50 cm), simple leaves (often having white veins). There are several species and they are grown mainly as house plants. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas.
Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Clades (4 of them)
Order Lamiales
Family Acanthaceae
Genus Aphelandra
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2. The second of these unusual leaves belongs to the “Prayer Plant,” also known as Maranta leuconeura (Figure 2). Their oval-shaped leaves are bright green and up to 12 cm long. They are tropical and native to South America and the West Indies. This plant spreads itself horizontally and can carpet and entire small area of the forest floor.
This perennial plant has been highly cultivated to produce “arrowroot.” There are 40 to 50 species! During the day, the leaves of this plant are flat, but they fold-up at night (hence the common name “prayer plant.” Some of the species of this plant can be house plants in warm climates.
Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Clades (4 of them)
Order Zingiberales
Family Marantaceae
Genus Maranta
Figure 2. "Prayer Plant."
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3. The third of these unusual leaves belongs to genus Alocsia, also known as the “elephant ear” (Figure 3). It is native to tropical and subtropical southeast Asia and northeast Australia. There are 91 accepted species! Unfortunately, this name has been used for other plants, and that is one problem with the use of “common names” of plants. There are 91 accepted species.
This tropical to subtopical perennial plant has many cultivares and hybrids. Its cordate leaves can be up to 35 inches long. They are typically gray, with white veins. Their flowers are usually hidden behind the leaves (which have undulating edges). This plant contains chemical irritants (i.e., do not ingest it).
Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Clades (3 of them)
Order Alismatales
Family Araceae
Genus Alocasia
Type Species A. cucullata
