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Bird of Paradise
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Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia reginae

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
Related

Basic Details

NameBird of Paradise
DescriptionSpectacular tropical perennial featuring exotic flowers that resemble a brightly colored bird in flight, with vivid orange sepals and brilliant blue petals emerging from a boat-shaped green and purple bract. Bold, banana-like leaves create dramatic architectural presence in gardens and containers. One of the most recognizable and sought-after tropical flowers, blooming year-round in warm climates and bringing a touch of paradise to any setting.
FamilyStrelitziaceae
GenusStrelitzia

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ⚥ K3 C3 A5 G(3)

Bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), bisexual, 3 free sepals, 3 petals (2 fused forming arrow-shaped nectary, 1 free), 5 free stamens, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Strelitzia' honors Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of England. 'Reginae' means 'of the queen.' Common name reflects the flower's resemblance to a bird of paradise with colorful plumage in flight
  • Unique flower structure with 3 bright orange sepals and 3 blue petals (2 fused forming arrow-shaped nectary) emerging from a rigid, boat-shaped bract. Flowers measure 6-8 inches long. Each plant produces multiple flower stalks, blooming sequentially
  • Evergreen perennial that blooms year-round in frost-free climates, with peak flowering in late winter to spring (February-May). Can live 50+ years. In nature, pollinated by sunbirds that perch on the sturdy bract
  • Grows 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall and 3-4 feet wide. Leaves can reach 18 inches long. Takes 3-5 years from seed to first bloom. Propagated by division of clumps or from seed (slow to germinate)
  • Native to South Africa, specifically coastal regions of Eastern Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal. Found in riverbanks and forest margins. Now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical zones
  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for best blooming. Prefers well-draining, fertile soil. Drought tolerant once established but blooms more with regular water. Frost sensitive (damaged below 28°F/-2°C)
  • Excellent long-lasting cut flower (7-14 days in vase). Attracts hummingbirds in tropical regions. All parts mildly toxic if ingested. Popular in tropical landscaping, poolside plantings, and as dramatic container specimens. Symbol of paradise, freedom, and magnificence

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificStrelitzia reginae
English (Alternate)Strelitzia Reginae, and Crane Flower
Hindiस्वर्गपक्षी (svargapakshi), क्रेन फूल (kran phool), सृष्टि के फूलों का पक्षी (srishti ke phoolon ka pakshi)
Tamilசந்திரவாசி (chandiravasi), சொர்க்கத்தின் மலர் (sorkathin malar)
Teluguమొగలి చెట్టు (Mogali ceṭṭu)
Malayalamപലകപ്പൂ (palakapoo), പക്ഷിപ്പൂ (pakshipoo)
Kannada ಪಕ್ಷಿಪುಷ್ಪ (pakshipushpa), ನಾಗರಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ (nagara mallige)
Sanskritस्वर्गा द्विजसना (svarga dvijasana)
Bengaliস্বর্গপক্ষী ফুল (sworgopokhi Phula), ক্রেন ফুল (crane flower)
Frenchoiseau du paradis, fleur oiseau de paradis
RussianРайская птица (Ray-skaya ptitsa)
Spanishave del paraíso
GermanParadiesvogelblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.