The Bird of Paradise Flower

The Bird of Paradise Flower

                                                                                                                Picture courtesy Google image

The bird of paradise Flower (Strelitzia reginae) is a native of south Africa. They are called so, as their flowers resemble a bird. The long, stalked flowers are exceedingly beautiful. It comes out from the green boat shaped secondary leaf (Bracts) that is outlined with red colour. Numerous petals of the flour are brilliant orange in colour and are pointed upward. There is also an arrow shaped tongue of contrasting blue. The flour, wen fully bloomed, looks like a flying bird.

This plant is stemless, compact and 1 to 1.5 meters tall with stiff leathery banana- like bluish grey leaves. It grows in a humid atmosphere, wit well drained gritty soil and lot of shade. Propagation of the plant is by division and seed.

The bird of paradise Flower (Strelitzia reginae) is from the family of Strelitziaceae, which is the family of three genera of plants, Strelitzia, Ravenala and Phenakospermum. Strelitzia plants generally need to be 3-5 years old before they will flower, which happens mostly in late winter and spring, although they can be seen flowering at other times.

                                                                                                 Picture courtesy Google image

This Plant Has a Close Relationship with Birds

Not only does this plant have a flower that poses a striking resemblance to a long-necked bird, but it also has a direct relationship with its feathered friends.

In order to pollinate, a bird must land upon the plant’s spathe. When this happens, the pressure applied by the bird’s weight opens the bract. This leads to a pollen release that coats the bird’s feet, which is then transported to the next flower the bird lands on.