Bird of paradise

Bird-of-paradise or crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) is a native of South Africa. The genus is known as the bird of paradise flower because of its resemblance to a bird, which shares its name.

The unique flower of Bird-of-paradise resembles a brightly colored bird in flight. The leathery leaves are held upright on stiff leafstalks and are about 6 inches wide and 18 inches long. The evergreen leaves of bird-of-paradise do not drop from the plant, which makes it an excellent addition around pools or wherever shedding leaves are an aesthetic and/or maintenance problem.

Bird-of-paradise makes an attractive landscape plant throughout Florida. The showy bloom is actually a combination of blue petals and orange sepals that emerge from a beak-like bract (modified leaf). Blooms appear intermittently most of the year.

Bird-of-paradise is a member of the Strelitziaceae family which contains other species often seen in central and south Florida landscapes. Strelitzia parvifolia is similar to, but smaller than S. reginae. Its leaves grow to 9 inches long and are less than 3 inches wide. The flowers are bright orange with blue tongues.