maranta

[ muh-ran-tuh ]

noun

1. any of several tropical American plants of the genus Maranta, including arrowroot and several species cultivated as ornamentals for their variegated foliage.

maranta

/ məˈræntə /

noun

1. any plant of the tropical American rhizomatous genus Maranta, some species of which are grown as pot plants for their showy leaves in variegated shades of green: family Marantaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of maranta¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), after Bartolomeo Maranta (1500–71), Italian physician and botanist

Word History and Origins

Origin of maranta¹

named after Bartolomea Maranti, died 1571, Venetian botanist

Example Sentences

The leaf of the pond lily, lotus, canna, maranta, rubber tree, magnolia, camellia, orange, and all leaves which have a waxy surface, should either be varnished or bronzed.

From Project Gutenberg

There were many large-leafed tropical plants somewhat resembling the heliconias and marantas of tropical America.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the utensils I noticed baskets of different shapes, made of flattened maranta stalks, and dyed various colours.

From Project Gutenberg