Bird's tongue flower, Crane flower, Bird-of-Paradise
Strelitzia reginae

Family: Strelitziaceae

What it is like

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It can grow to 1.2 m high. It spreads 0.9 m wide. The leaves are 30-75 cm long on stems 1.8 m long. The flowers are orange and blue. Each flower consists of 3 orange coloured sepals and 3 blue petals. Two of the petals are united in an arrowhead-like structure.

It may be in a hot house in Slovenia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally along river banks in South Africa. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. It needs moderate moisture. It needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It needs an acid pH. It needs full sun. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, Fiji, Guam, Hawaii, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Palau, Philippines, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, USA

How it is used for food

The seeds are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Tuber, root, seeds, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ave de Paraiso, Kera phul, Kraljevska strelicija, Za-ma-ni-hnget-pan

Synonyms

Strelitzia parvifolia;