Bird of Paradise

With it's orange (and blue) flowers, I had a tough time distinguishing this bird of paradise from heliconia initially. Now, I can see enough differences that I can't remember why I was confused at first. Along the way, I learned how similar many plants were in the order, Zingiberales. Banana plants, travelers palms, white bird of paradise are strikingly similar when you look at them.

I'm also amazed that a close cousin of orange Strelitzia reginae, the white bird of paradise Strelitzia nicolai, can grow so tall! At Palma Sola Botanical Park, the white bird of Paradise plant has to be at least 20ft tall.

I'm looking forward to see these flower on our lanai. As I understand, they are sturdy enough to host 3 birds who are needed for pollination, due to the design of the flower. Each hard beak-like sheath is called a spathe, and they can generate 6 flowers during blooming season, in succession.

Trivia:
Bird of Paradise was introduced to Europe in the 1770's. The reginae part of its name refers to Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz who became Queen to George III in 1761.

Virtually disease-free.

Official flower of Los Angeles, where many of the flowers in the florist trade are grown.

A great video on Bird of Paradise: https://youtu.be/k8TP3pFKflI

References:
Heliconia Society.

General Info.

Bird of Paradise.

More info.

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