Bird of paradise
Bird of paradise, also known as strelitzia, is native to South Africa. The plant is renowned for its spectacular flowers, which resemble the head of a brightly coloured bird. The inflorescence consists of a sturdy spathe that resembles a bird’s beak, three orange sepals, and three blue-violet petals. Several flowers develop within each spathe and open one at a time.
When the bird of paradise blooms, it produces large quantities of nectar. The nectar may collect as small droplets within the flower and attracts birds searching for food.
In South Africa, the bird of paradise is pollinated by birds such as the Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis). When a bird lands on the flower’s blue-violet petals to drink nectar, the petals open. This exposes the stamens, causing pollen to be deposited on the bird’s feet. When the bird visits the next flower, it carries the pollen with it, helping the plant reproduce and produce seeds.
Outside South Africa, the bird of paradise only rarely sets seed. Its natural pollinators occur only in southern Africa. Therefore, people often need to assist with pollination if the plant is to produce seeds.
Did You Know?
Bird of paradise flowers can remain attractive for several weeks, making them popular as cut flowers in floral arrangements.
Facs:
Greenhouse location: Mediterranean House
Danish name: Paradisfugl
Latin name: Strelitzia reginae
Family: Bird-of-paradise Family / Strelitziaceae
Natural habitat: Cape Province, South Africa