Chlorospatha yatacuensis Croat & L.P.Hannon

• Genus: Chlorospatha
• Botanical Background: Described by the renowned botanists Croat and L.P. Hannon, this species adds to the expanding knowledge of neotropical flora. Its formal description has spurred further botanical studies aimed at understanding the diversity and evolution of aroids in South America.

Leaves

• Large, heart-shaped leaves
• Glossy texture
• Lush green coloration
• Occasional variegation or subtle patterning

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Delicate spathe that may display soft hues of green and hints of pink or white
• Compact spadix supports its reproductive structures
• Associated with specialized pollination mechanisms adapted to local pollinators

Growth Habit

• Terrestrial, growing from a robust, rhizomatous base that forms clumps
• Growth habit helps the plant persist in its natural understory settings

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light
• Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

• Regular watering is essential
• Humid environment that mirrors its native tropical habitat

Soil & Potting Mix

• A well-draining, organic-rich potting mix is ideal
• Container with ample drainage to prevent waterlogging and ensure healthy root development

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Optimal temperature range of 65–80°F (18–27°C) suits its growth
• Balanced fertilizer applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season will support its nutritional needs

Division and Cuttings

• Most common propagation method is via division of the rhizomes
• Careful repotting allows new shoots to form, ensuring the continued vitality of the plant

Seeds

• Less common
• Requires controlled moisture and temperature conditions to mimic its native environment

Typical Issues

• Spider mites and mealybugs
• Potential root rot if overwatered

Treatment Recommendations

• Insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective against pests
• Ensuring proper drainage and adjusting watering schedules are key to preventing fungal diseases like root rot

• Not only for its rarity but also for its ecological role in the understory of tropical forests
• Distinctive inflorescence and large foliage
• Unusual leaf shape and decorative inflorescence
• Scarcity in cultivation adds to its allure as a coveted specimen in specialized collections

Wild Population Status

• Limited distribution and specialized habitat, conservation efforts are important. 

Market Availability

• Rarely available in the horticultural trade and is typically found through specialist collectors or botanical institutions