Tropicals
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
The Bird of Paradise, or Strelitzia, is a genus of five species of perennial flowering plants native to South Africa. It is a member of the family Strelitziaceae. The genus is named after the duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, birthplace of Queen Charlotte of Great Britain. The common name, Bird of Paradise, comes from the flower's resemblance to the bird of the same name. It is also known as the crane flower in South Africa. Two species, Strelitzia reginae (the most well-known) and Strelitzia nicolai, are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. The most prominent feature of the Bird of Paradise is its flower. The flowers are produced in a horizontal inflorescence emerging from a stout spathe. The flowers have three brilliant orange sepals and three bright blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form a nectary. The leaves are large, oblong, and leathery, resembling banana leaves. They are arranged in two ranks to form a fan-like crown of evergreen foliage. The plants are typically 2 to 3.5 meters tall, with the exception of S. nicolai, which can reach up to 10 meters. Bird of Paradise plants are primarily used for ornamental purposes. Their dramatic flowers and lush foliage make them a popular choice for gardens, conservatories, and as houseplants. The flowers are also a favorite in the cut flower industry and are used in exotic floral arrangements. In addition to their ornamental value, they are the official flower of the city of Los Angeles. These plants are relatively easy to grow in warm climates (USDA zones 10-12). They prefer full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. They are heavy feeders and require regular watering, especially during the growing season. While they are drought-tolerant once established, they are sensitive to frost. When grown indoors, they need a bright, sunny location and should be protected from direct, intense sunlight. They have few pest problems, but can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. ## Sources - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strelitzia - https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bird-of-paradise-strelitzia-reginae/ - https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b569Read more
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