Birds Of Paradise

Bird of paradise tree (Strelitzia spp. and related tropical trees commonly called “bird of paradise”) — description

Overview The bird of paradise refers to striking, tropical plants known for dramatic foliage and exotic, birdlike flowers. Two commonly referenced groups are Strelitzia (especially Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai), which are large perennial clumping plants often called bird of paradise, and several unrelated trees in tropical regions whose flowers resemble the plumage of birds of paradise. This description emphasizes the popular Strelitzia types grown in gardens and landscapes.

Form and size

• Strelitzia reginae (commonly called the bird of paradise): a clumping, evergreen perennial that typically reaches 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. It forms a low, multi-stemmed mound from rhizomes.

• Strelitzia nicolai (giant bird of paradise): tree-like, can reach 20 to 30 feet tall with a trunk-like stem and a crown of large leaves, giving a small-tree or palm-like appearance.

Leaves

• Large, paddle-shaped, leathery leaves with a strong midrib. Leaves are typically 2 to 3 feet long in S. reginae and much