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Zebra plant

How to identify Zebra plant (Goeppertia zebrina)

Zebra plant

Zebra plant exhibits a striking foliage characterized by its lanceolate, velvety leaves that typically reach up to 3 ft (90 cm) in both height and width when cultivated indoors. Each leaf showcases a light green backdrop graced with even, dark green stripes that elegantly fork towards the margins. A notable feature of zebra plant is the vivid purple coloring found on the underside of its leaves, adding a dramatic contrast to the overall appearance of the plant.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Zebra plant

1

Velvety, lanceolate leaves with dark green stripes and purple undersides.

2

White flowers with violet hues, small petals, and subtle scent.

3

Distinctive sheathed stem, smooth and glossy, minimal branching.

4

Large oblong leaves with lime green veins and purple undersides.

5

Rarely seen inconspicuous berry, likely green, blending with foliage.

Zebra plantZebra plantZebra plantZebra plantZebra plant

Detailed Traits of Zebra plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of zebra plant are oblong to elliptic, with pointed tips, and measure 15-20 inches (38-51 cm) in length and 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in width. They are velvety dark green with striking lime green along the veins, margins, and spines, creating a striped appearance. The undersides of the leaves are purple, and they grow on 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) stems. The texture is velvety, and the vein pattern is distinct, adding to their ornamental appeal.

Leaf Base

Circular

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Flower Features

The flowers of zebra plant are white with delicate violet hues, accented by violet-brown bracts. Each blossom is small, typically measuring about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, and features a simple, elegant petal arrangement. The blooms are not known for their scent, making them subtle yet striking. These flowers rarely occur when zebra plant is cultivated in pots, adding a unique charm when they do appear during their sporadic blooming period.

Inflorescence Type

Spike

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Stem Features

The stem of zebra plant is sheathed, with a smooth, green texture that often appears slightly glossy. It typically measures about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and 0.2-0.4 inches (0.5-1 cm) in thickness. The stem is generally erect and shows minimal branching. A distinctive feature is the tight, overlapping sheaths that encase the stem, providing additional support and protection. These sheaths contribute to the overall robust and upright stature of the plant.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of zebra plant is often undiscussed due to the plant's rarity of flowering in cultivation. However, when conditions permit, the fruit develops as an inconspicuous, small berry. Each berry is typically a few millimeters in diameter, housing tiny seeds within its fleshy body. Despite its lack of prominence, the berry when present is likely green, blending with the plant's foliage, before possibly maturing to a darker shade. This discreet fruit may be overlooked due to zebra plant's strikingly patterned foliage.

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Key Facts About Zebra plant

Attributes of Zebra plant
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
50 cm to 1 m
Spread
50 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Purple
Stem Color
Green
Purple
White
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Scientific Classification of Zebra plant

Family
Arrowroot
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Species
Zebra plant (Goeppertia zebrina)
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Distribution Map of Zebra plant

Zebra plant is inherently native to the northern region of South America. Over time, zebra plant has been introduced and found suitable habitats in parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and a portion of East Asia. The plant is widely cultivated beyond its native range due to its ornamental appeal.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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