Botanical Name: Strelitzia nicolai
Common Name: Giant bird of paradise Type of Plant: monocot: tree Character evergreen Habit of Growth: Overall Shape a large, clumping, tree-like plant (similar to banana), with several or many erect stalks; the leaves sheath the stem, arising in alternate fashion; the older stems are distinctly compressed along two sides Height 15-30' Spread 1/2 to equal Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure outdoors partial or full sun; will tolerate full shade inland Soil a moist acidic loam preferred; tolerates somewhat alkaline Hardiness some frost (zones 12013, 18-24); thrive in warm, humid areas Morphology: Leaves large, 6-10' long, arching from stem; the blade is in-folded oblong; the petiole is thick, succulent, round in cross-section Flowers white, with distinctive, long-pointed, bird shape, 4-8" long, arising from sheaths in the leaf axils along the trunk Fruit a capsule: 1" long Propagation: seed, or divisions of the clump Usage: a large background mass or big accent clump for its large foliage and distinct tropical effect; flowers are not as showy as those produced by Strelitzia reginae Landscape Care: Watering regular is preferred; can tolerate heavy irrigation; plant survives drought but looks shabby in dry habitats Fertilizing balanced, as needed; check for chlorosis Pruning remove older, lower leaves as they die; thin out clump Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other Origin: Tropical Africa Family: Musaceae Notes: |
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