White bird-of Paradise
Strelitzia nicolai

Family: Strelitziaceae

What it is like

A tree up to 9 m tall. Often they occur in clumps. They sucker from the base. The leaves are 1.8 m long and 0.6 m wide. They are normally tattered into strips by the wind. The flower head is 45 cm long. It has grey, blue, white and pink colours. Several flower sheaths grow out of one large flower sheath. This large flower sheath can be 30 cm long and deep red or blue. The fruit is a 3 lobed woody capsule. It is 5-7 cm long. The woolly layer around the seed is bright orange.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs moderate moisture and a seasonally dry climate. It needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It needs full sun. It can tolerate salt spray. It is damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. In Queen Sirikit BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Indonesia, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Thailand, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are used as food. They are cooked.

Edible parts

Seeds, seeds - coffee

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Plants can also be grown from suckers.

Plants grow quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Inkamanga, Isigceba, Isigude, Natal strelitzia, Orjaška strelicija, Wild banana

Synonyms

Strelitzia alba subsp. nicolai (Regel & Korn.) Maire & Weiller; Strelitzia quensonii Lem.;