Heliconia Rostrata – Plant

Description

Heliconia rostrata (also known as hanging lobster claw or false bird of paradise) is an herbaceous perennial native to Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, and naturalized in Puerto Rico. Other Heliconias grow in the upright position (e.g. Heliconia bihai), their cup-shaped flower bracts storing water for birds and insects. This plant, however, has downward-facing flowers, the flowers thus providing a source of nectar to birds.

Heliconias are known to those who grow them as a host flower to many birds, especially the hummingbird. Because of its unique characteristics, it is often used as a specimen for tropical gardens.