Strelitzia
Strelitzia The evergreen Strelitzia is commonly known as the Bird of Paradise plant. This is due to the bright colours and pointed petals of its flowers, which resemble a native bird species. Description Its silvery-green leaves are large, between 30 to 200 centimetres long, 10 to 80 centimetres broad and similar in shape to a banana leaf. The arrow-like orange flowers have three erect white petals as well as other deep-blue, almost purple ones. The flowers of the Strelitzia are pollinated by bees and sunbirds, which are attracted by the nectar. Habitat The Strelitzia is native to South Africa but is also found in Swaziland and the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. It grows well in cool, moist mountainous forests rich in leaf litter. Availability The Strelitzia can flower throughout the year and is propagated by division of the underground rhizome during repotting. It can also be grown from seed. After germination, plant the seedlings in well-drained soil and accustom them to full sunligh