Strelitzia reginae (Strelitziaceae) Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise flowers are native to South Africa – named after the Princess Charlotte Sophia von Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of the British King George III. Charlotte Sophia was fond of plants and generously supported the Kew Royal Botanical Gardens – her nickname “Queen of Botany“ testifies to her devotion.
Its common name alludes to its resemblance to a bird’s head. Nectar collects in the green spathe surrounding the flowers. The contrasting colors of blue and orange attract sunbirds which serve as pollinators. Strelitzias are popular cut flowers, but are also cultivated as container plants. Here they bloom in winter – actually summer in the Southern Hemisphere.