Bird of Paradise - Strelitzia Reginae
Bird-of-paradise or crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) is a native of South Africa and is closely related to the banana. The herbaceous plant derives its common names from the rare flower it bears, which resembles a brightly colored bird in flight. The leathery leaves are held upright on stiff leafstalks and are about 6 inches wide and 18 inches long. The plant forms a 3- to 5-foot-tall clump that can be used as a focal point in the landscape or in mass plantings. The evergreen leaves of bird-of-paradise do not drop from the plant, which makes it an magnificent addition around pools or wherever shedding leaves are an aesthetic and/or maintenance problem. In colder climates, Bird of Paradise can be used as a houseplant.Plant comes in 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 inch shipping pot and is about 6 inches tall