BIRDS OF PARADISE(Strelitzia reginae)

The uniquely shaped flower of this exotic tropical perennial resembles a bird's head, and due to it's brilliant orange and blue colors and unique form, it resembles not just any bird but a bird-of-paradise! So not surprisely Strelitzia reginae is well known as the bird-of-paradise flower. . Fantastically handsome flowers aside, this is also a very attractive foliage plant. The banana like leaves are about 14 inches long and 8 inches wide. Forming massive clumps 5 to8 feet high bird-of-paradise lends a romantic tropical ambiance to the landscape

Like many of our most flamboyant and fascinating plants, the bird-of-paradise flower is native to South Africa. It was introduced to European gardeners in 1773 when it was part of a shipment of horticultural specimens bound for the Royal Botanical Garden of King George III. Strelitzia reginae was named after the king's wife Queen (reginae in Latin) Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (Strelitzia).

Bird-of-paradise is a real eye catcher, in bloom or not. Whether in the landscape or as cut flowers making star appearances in arrangements, this plant is recognized by most and enjoyed by all. It is inexpensive and widely available, even in non-tropical areas where it does duty as a houseplant. Bird-of-paradise is an icon of the tropics, its image turning up on fabrics, wallpaper, tasteless resort apparel, and assorted works of art both crappy and sublime. As beautiful as some of these may be, none can compare to the real thing. Find a place in your home or garden so you can enjoy this flamboyant showoff.