Bird of Paradise flower - Nicolai

Seeds: 5  / Botanical name: Strelitzia nicolai

Long-lasting flowering and magnificent vase decoration

The long, narrow leaves of the evergreen Strelitzia, a member of the banana family, form an upright fan and therefore grow somewhat wider than its relative, Strelitzia reginae. Its bird-head-shaped flowers, up to 20 centimeters wide, emerge from the bract and appear in spring and summer. Since only a few flowers bloom at a time—and this continues for several weeks—the reward for successful cultivation is a correspondingly long flowering period. The flowers also make attractive, long-lasting vase arrangements. Due to its abundant nectar production, pollination in its natural habitat is carried out not only by birds but also by monkeys with a sweet tooth.

natural habitat is South Africa, but it is also found as far afield as Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and even the Canary Islands.