Ctenanthe oppenheimiana

Native to Bahia in northeastern Brazil, this plant is a clumping evergreen perennial herb that spreads from underground rhizomes. It grows about three feet tall and carries long, pointed leaves with smooth margins. The upper surfaces are dark green with silver-gray bands between the main veins, while the undersides are purple-red. Cultivated forms can also have irregular cream markings. The leaves rise and fold at night, then spread during the day. Small white flowers occur in short clusters. The species is grown for its ornamental foliage as a houseplant and in tropical gardens. Photographed in Cali, Colombia.