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Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
21.3397, -157.859
Field Notes
Description:
The bird of paradise refers to the unique flower that grows on this exotic perennial, resembling a birdʻs head. The flower has bright orange speals and purplish-blue petals. The flower emerges from a hard, beak-like sheath called the spathe. Since flower is perpendicular to the spathe, it is given the appearance of a birdʻs head and beak. The blue petals are merged, and form an arrow-like nectary. The petals open when sunbird sit to drink the nectar, covering their feel in pollen. The leaves have a leathery feel to them, at about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. S. reginae are nutrient hogs that grow in nutrient-rich soil that should be fertilized monthly if possible. However, these plants can grow on their own with little help after planted. These S. reginae will grow the most flowers when exposed to a lot of sun, but will grow the best looking foliage in the shade. Liberal amounts of water should be given to the plant. S. reginae is damaged by winder frost and freezing temperatures.
Habitat:
The bird-of-paradise was spotted at Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama, on the lower part of the high school campus.
Notes:
The bird-of-paradise is a flower that is native to South Africa. In 1733 this plant was introduced to European gardeners when apart of a shipment for King George the Thirdʻs Royal Botanical Garden. Strelitzia reginae was named after the kingʻs wife Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Queen is reginea in Latin, and Strelitz is the last part of her name (Strelitzia). S. reginae is a popular ornamental plant and house plant. It is the official flower of the city of Los Angeles. S. reginae is very slow-growing and takes 3-5 years to bloom, and flowers only appear after properly established. The flowers peak in the winter and early spring, and are long-lasting after blooming.
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