Nature Field Guide
Expanded Lobster Claw
- Spanish name
- Platanilla / Caliguate
- Scientific name
- Heliconia latispatha
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “An upright open arrangement of colorful bracts rises among broad green leaves.”
Tati: “Let’s notice the leaves, flowers and habitat without disturbing the plant.”
Species overview
About the Expanded Lobster Claw
Heliconia latispatha is a large herb with banana-like leaves. Its upright inflorescence has separated colorful bracts, often orange to reddish, with the small true flowers emerging from them. A bract is a modified leaf, not a petal.
This native heliconia grows across a variety of Costa Rican forest and edge habitats. Its open arrangement helps distinguish it from more tightly packed heliconias. Look closely from the path and leave flowers for their visiting animals.
Identification
Key Features of the Expanded Lobster Claw
Broad banana-like leaves
Upright open inflorescence
Separated orange-to-red bracts holding small flowers
Habitat & range
Both slopes, including Guanacaste, the Northern Plains, Caribbean, Central Pacific and Osa; also cultivated in gardens.
Local observations
Native to Costa Rica. Local presence and abundance depend on suitable habitat and growing conditions.
When to observe
Leaves and growth form can be observed whenever the plant is accessible. Flowering and fruiting vary with location, weather and the individual plant; ask a local guide about current conditions.
Conservation & care
Explore with an adult on permitted paths. Observe and photograph without picking leaves, flowers or fruits. Do not taste plants or let pets chew them. Avoid climbing trees and disturbing roots, seedlings or visiting wildlife.
Threats & pressures
Protect suitable habitat, mature trees and natural regeneration. Avoid trampling, unauthorized clearing and collection.
Observation activity
Draw one large bract and the smaller flower emerging from it. Label which part is which.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Guanacaste · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José