BIRD-OF-PARADISE FLOWER

also called crane flower (Strelitzia reginae) ornamental plant of the family Strelitziaceae. There are five species of the genus Strelitzia, all native to southern Africa. They grow from rhizomes (underground stems) to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres (about 3 to 5 feet) and have stiff, erect, leathery, concave, and oblong leaves. The leaves are bluish green and may have a red midrib. The Strelitzia flower has two erect, pointed petals and five stamens. One main bract, shaped like a boat, is green with red borders. It holds many long-stemmed, orange and bright-blue flowers. S. reginae variety citrina has yellow flowers.