False bird-of-paradise, Hanging lobster claw
Heliconia rostrata
Family: Heliconiaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaf stalks can be 7 m long and look like banana leaves. The leaves are 1-2 m long. The flowers hang downward. The bracts are yellow with green tips. They are like a parrot's beak.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in areas with good moisture and soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Andes, Argentina, Asia, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Pacific, Peru, Rotuma, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Venezuela
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Roots
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds or division of the rhizome.
Its other names
Local names
Caete, Helikonia cakar lobster