South African Strelitzia

A common sight here in Australia, enjoying the similar climate to its native range of South Africa.

I wanted to grow this plant, especially to observe the development of these large, dynamic, eye-catching flowers.

But I learned over the years from gardening articles, seeing them in parks and friends who have them in their gardens - that they grow fast and are a nightmare to remove.

So, I have this one plant in a very large pot. A couple of years ago, I re-potted and was intrigued to see the roots. They are large, thick and tuberous looking - adapted for water absorption and storage.

The flowers emerge one at a time from the spathe, consist of three orange sepals and three purplish-blue or white petals. Two of the petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. When the sunbirds sit to drink the nectar, the third petal opens to release the anther and cover their feet in pollen.

One tough, resilient and stunning plant.

The common name 'bird of paradise' is due to the resemblance of the open inflorescence to the display plumage and pose of certain species of bird-of-paradise. (The beak being downward, with wings open above and tail behind, as if in flight and reaching down in to a flower for nectar).

Strelitzia reginae, growing to 2 m or more in height. Leathery leaves up to 80 cm in length and 30 cm wide. Flower 19 cm at longest point and 17 cm in height.