Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae
Strelitzia is a genus of five species of perennial flowering plants. It is commonly known as the Bird of Paradise flower. also called crane flower, ornamental plant of the family Strelitziaceae native to South Africa. The plant is grown outdoors in warm climates and as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and unusual flowers. It is named for its resemblance to the showy forest birds known as birds-of-paradise. Many often mistakenly call this plant the “banana tree” because it looks like banana plants
5 Types of Bird of Paradise Plants
Here are five different species from two disparate plant genera, each commonly known as “bird of paradise.”
Also read about : Gladiolus flowers
- BirdsStrelitzia reginae – This bird of paradise variety has long leathery leaves reminiscent of those on the banana tree, to which it is related.
- White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)- White bird of paradise is a considerably larger species than most of the Strelitzia genus,with flowers that closely resemble the traditional bird of paradise plant. But it has white sepals forming the crown and a bluish-purple tongue.
- Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)- Plants of the Caesalpinia genus that carry the common name bird of paradise are much different than the Strelitzia species. Caesalpinia pulcherrima, sometimes known as red bird of paradise, pride of Barbados, or peacock flower is a fast-growing, broad-leaved evergreen shrub native to arid regions. It blooms repeatedly with red-orange flowers.
- Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana)- Closely related to the red bird of paradise, the Mexican bird of paradise is another broad-leaved evergreen tree but with flowers that tend toward yellow. It has somewhat better cold tolerance than C. pulcherrima, remaining evergreen down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)-Caesalpinia gilliesii, commonly known as yellow bird of paradise, poinsiana, or bird of paradise bush, is a shrub-like form of Caesalpinia. It is evergreen in warmer climates and has red or yellow azalea-like flowers that bloom in July and August.
Birds of Paradise can be irritating to cats, dogs, and humans if the foliage is consumed. The best practice is always to keep houseplants out of reach of small children and pets.
