Genus of 13 species of evergreen, rhizomatous herbaceous perennials from forest floors and clearings in Central and South America. Stromanthe is compact and low-growing like Maranta, but the foliage is marked with the distinct tracery of Calathea with which it is easily confused. The usual species is Stromanthe amabilis, but it is hard to grow. It needs a minimum temperature of 65 F and the air must be moist.