Peak flowering is in the winter and early spring. One main flower bract, shaped like a boat, is green with red borders. The Birds of Paradise flower inflorescence is borne atop long scapes, or pedicels, that grow to 5 feet or more in height. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa 2(1–2): 1–152(pt. [3] Common names such as “crane flower” and “bird of paradise” reference the open flower’s resemblance to the head and beak of a colourful exotic bird. A bird of paradise is a leafy plant that produces colorful flowers resembling a bird in flight. The fruits are capsules with numerous seeds. Birds of Paradise bloom from September through May.. Please select which sections you would like to print: Corrections? The orange and blue flower has two erect pointed petals and five stamens. Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the crane flower or bird of paradise,[3] is a species of flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. The flowers are, however, quite long-lasting once they appear. The Bird of Paradise symbolizes many different meanings because it’s such an exotic and unusual flower. Bird-of-paradise flower, (Strelitzia reginae), also called crane flower, ornamental plant of the family Strelitziaceae native to South Africa. [6], Strelitzia reginae is very popular as an ornamental plant. 2). It is named for its resemblance to the showy forest birds known as birds-of-paradise. Updates? List of species of southern African plants. The bird-of-paradise flower grows from rhizomes (underground stems) to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres (about 3 to 5 feet). Growing Conditions for Bird of Paradise. If they live in healthy conditions, they can produce more than 35 flower spikes every year; this means they are always used as ornamental plants as well. The leaves are evergreen and arranged in two ranks, making a fan-shaped crown. The complex blooms not only look like tropical birds, but also rely on birds for pollination. The dwarf poinciana (Caesalpinia pulcherrima), a showy tree grown throughout the American tropics and subtropics, is sometimes known as the Mexican bird-of-paradise or red bird-of-paradise. It is possibly a mutation that is in the process of speciating. The plant is grown outdoors in warm climates and as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and unusual flowers. [4], Genetic analysis reveals Strelitzia juncea has been shown to be genetically nested within S. reginae. [5], The plant grows to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, with large, strong leaves 25–70 cm (9.8–27.6 in) long and 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) broad, produced on petioles up to 1 m (39 in) long. These plants, however, can be temperamental, and only produce flowers under certain conditions and when they’re several years old. See more ideas about flower art, art, birds of paradise. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Be it birthday, anniversary, I’m sorry – whatever the occasion we can deliver the perfect bouquet of flowers for you. It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in the garden; it is fairly tolerant of soil conditions and needs little water once established. Bird of paradise can grow up to more than 30 feet tall. Joseph Banks described the species in 1788. 1987. The plant is grown outdoors in warm climates and as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and unusual flowers. Everyone that encountered it developed their own idea of the bloom as a symbol. Joffe, P. Easy Guide to Indigenous Shrubs, Briza Publications, 2003, World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, "Ask Chris: When Did the Bird of Paradise Become the Official Flower of L.A.? ; Birds of paradise need to support each other: ideally, you will plant them in pairs, so they can grow together. Bird of paradise flower is a beautiful and unique flower.. The flowers, which emerge one at a time from the spathe, consist of three brilliant orange sepals and three purplish-blue or white petals. It is a common ornamental plant in Southern California, and has been chosen as the Official Flower of the City of Los Angeles. [11] It flowers only when properly established and division of the plant may affect flowering patterns.