Overview
Bird of paradise flowers are also
called crane flowers. It is related to the banana plant. A bird of paradise
grows evergreen leathery leaves about 18 inches long. A healthy plant will
produce about 36 flowers throughout the year.
Identification
Bird of paradise flowers are showy
blossoms with blue petals and orange sepals emerging from a beak-like bract.
This unique flower resembles a crane.
The Facts
When a bird of paradise is
propagated by seed, it takes 3 to 5 years to bloom. Division propagation
produces a mature plant in 2 years.
Warning
Bird of paradise is occasionally
infested with aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, scales, snails and leaf
borers.
Geography
Bird of paradise originated in
South Africa. They grow wild in the eastern Cape along riverbanks.
Types
There are four species of bird of
paradise flowers. These are Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai, Strelitzia
alba and Strelitzia juncea.
Warning
Bird of paradise is occasionally
infested with aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, scales, snails and leaf
borers.
Geography
Bird of paradise originated in
South Africa. They grow wild in the eastern Cape along riverbanks.
Types
There are four species of bird of
paradise flowers. These are Strelitzia reginae, Strelitzia nicolai, Strelitzia
alba and Strelitzia juncea.
Fun Facts About Birds Of Paradise
- The scientific name of this plant is Strelitzia, pronounced STRE-lit-see-a.
- The plant was named for Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. She was of the House of Mecklenburg – Strelitzia.
- The Bird of Paradise, as it is commonly known, is a tropical herb. It has large oval leaves on long stems. The flowers of the plant are blue and orange and resemble an exotic bird in flight.
- Bird of Paradise originated in South Africa.
- It belongs to the banana family.
- Bird of Paradise blooms from September to the end of May.
- The long blue tongue is the female part of the flower.
- Bird of Paradise will thrive in most soils, but fertile loam is best. Soil must be well drained. Over watering will cause root rot.
- The most flowers are produced along the plant’s periphery.
- It takes 3 to 5 years to grow a Bird of Paradise plant from seed.
- Seeds must be soaked in water and nicked in order to germinate because the shell of the seed is extremely hard.
- Bird of Paradise plants are usually pest free. Check for aphids on occasion.
- Though Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant, it can withstand temperatures as low as 24 degrees Fahrenheit, though flowers and buds will be damaged.
- Bird of Paradise is grown commercially in California and Hawaii.
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