Heliconia rostrata (False Bird of Paradise)

[M Farooq]

Botanical Name	Heliconia rostrata
Family	Heliconiaceae
Local Name in Urdu	Not a local plant
Common Name	False bird of paradise, Lobster's claw
Life Cycle	Perennial
Cultivar Name	NA
Fragrant or Not	No fragrance
Category(Bush/Vine/Tree)	Herbaceous plant
Height	3-20 ft
Spacing	Grows in clumps
Flowering Months	Throughout the year
Flower Color	Red and yellow
Growing Areas	Tropical plant
Frost Tender	Highly sensitive to cold, less than 18 Celsius may be harmful
Exposure	Partial shade
Soil pH	Tolerant
Propagation	Division of roots
Uses	Highly ornamental
Other Details	Heliconias are among the most beautiful tropical plants which do very well in Karachi / Lahore type climate. The colourful flowers are not actually flowers but they are simply colourful coverings called bracts. The actual flowers of Heliconia are not attractive at all. Heliconias grow in warm tropical gardens. The plants like humus rich well-drained soil. Remove old leaves to encourage new growth. Spider mites, mealy bugs and snails usually attack this plant. Keep an eye on such unwanted visitors. Photo courtesy. M. I. Khurram