Bird of Paradise

Strelizia reginae is a perennial, evergreen that forms large clumps 3 feet high.  The leaves provide a tropical look as they superficially resemble the leaf of the banana.  This plant does well in full sun or partial shade and requires moderate water though it will tolerate some drought due to water storage in fleshy roots.  Flowers are produced on stiff stems that rise above the foliage and the flowers are adapted for bird pollination.  The flower resembles a bird head thus one of the common names is Crane Flower.  Photos by Laurel Woodley