Bird-of-paradise flower, (Strelitzia reginae)

The bird of paradise – or Strelitzia - is another native of South Africa. Its exotic, origami crane-like flowers are like no other, making it unmistakable in bouquets and flower arrangements. (This is one flower that also shines solo when grouped in a tall vase!)

The flower has many different symbolic meanings – from freedom to immortality. It’s the perfect gift to give when you really want to make a statement.

Physical description
The bird-of-paradise flower grows from rhizomes (underground stems) to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres (about 3 to 5 feet). It has stiff, erect, leathery, concave, and oblong leaves borne on a long petiole (leafstalk). The leaves are bluish green in colour and may have a red midrib. The orange and blue flower has two erect pointed petals and five stamens. One main flower bract, shaped like a boat, is green with red borders. The fruits are capsules with numerous seeds.