Calathea zebrina (zebra plant) is a species of plant in the family Marantaceae, native to southeastern Brazil. It is an evergreen perennial growing to 1 m (3 ft 3 in). The long stalks to 30 cm (12 in) carry elliptical leaves 45 cm (18 in) or more long. The leaves are dark green above, dark red below, the spines, veins and margins etched in lime green. It is tender, with a minimum temperature of 16 °C (61 °F) required, and in temperate areas is cultivated indoors as a houseplant. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.