Flower Garden

 Bird of Paradise Flower

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name  - Strelitzia reginae

Domain               - Eukaryota

Kingdom             - Plantae

Phylum                - Magnoliophyta

Class                    - Liliopsida

Order                   - Zingiberales

Family                 - Strelitziaceae

Genus                  - Strelitzia

Species               - S.reginae

Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the crane flower, bird of paradise, or isigude in Nguni, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. An evergreen perennial, it is widely cultivated for its dramatic flowers. In temperate areas it is a popular houseplant. One of the only flowers actually pollinated by birds, the Strelitzia is named " Bird of Paradise " because its blossoms, when fully opened, resemble the wings of a bird in flight.

 Strelitzia reginae is native to the southern and eastern parts of the Cape Province and northern Natal in South Africa. The plant grow up to 4-6 fit, high 120-180cm, and 3-4 fit. wide 90-120cm. making it a dramatic addition to any garden of landscape. A Bird of Paradise will grow around 9 inches every year. We used to think that they lived up to 70 years, but better research tells us their life expectancy is closer to 20-30.

The Bird of paradise plant has stunning flowers. It is an ideal houseplant because it is low-maintenance and is considered minimally toxic to humans. A small, unintentional ingestion by a child can result in gastrointestinal effects including vomiting and diarrhea. 

The Strelitzia reginae has been used to treat inflamed glands and sexually transmitted diseases in some Kwazuly-Natal  cultures. In addition those African cultures in the Cape are known to put the seeds into milk to accelerate the souring process. The flowers attract bees, which are important members of any garden.

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