Bird of Paradise flower

Strelitzia reginae

Strelitzia reginae is a monocotyledonous flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. Common names include Strelitzia, Crane Flower or Bird of Paradise, though these names are also collectively applied to other species in the genus Strelitzia.
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. Australia,Bird of Paradise flower,Commelinids,Geotagged,Strelitzia reginae,Strelitziaceae,Zingiberales,botany,crane flower,flora,new south wales,spring

Appearance

The plant grows to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, with large, strong leaves 25–70 cm (9.8–28 in) long and 10–30 cm (3.9–12 in) broad, produced on petioles up to 1 m (39 in) long. The leaves are evergreen and arranged in two ranks, making a fan-shaped crown. The flowers stand above the foliage at the tips of long stalks. The hard, beak-like sheath from which the flower emerges is termed the spathe. This is placed perpendicular to the stem, which gives it the appearance of a bird's head and beak; it makes a durable perch for holding the sunbirds which pollinate the flowers. The flowers, which emerge one at a time from the spathe, consist of three brilliant orange sepals and three purplish-blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. When the sunbirds sit to drink the nectar, the petals open to cover their feet in pollen.
Bird of Paradise flower (Strelitzia retinae ) Ripe seed capsule opened up ready to expel seeds. Found in a domestic garden. Australia,Bird of Paradise flower,Geotagged,Strelitzia reginae,Summer

Naming

Its scientific name commemorates Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort of the United Kingdom.

References:

Some text fragments are auto parsed from Wikipedia.

Status: Unknown
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassMonocots
OrderZingiberales
FamilyStrelitziaceae
GenusStrelitzia
Species
Photographed in
Australia
Belgium
Spain
France
India
United States of America
South Africa