The bird of paradise tree, also known as the crane flower, is a species of tree that is known for its uniquely shaped flowers that resemble tropical birds. Its scientific name is Strelitzia reginae and it is native to South Africa. The bird of paradise got its name from 18th century British plant collectors who thought the flowers resembled beautiful tropical birds from paradise. Since then, it has become a popular ornamental plant around the world.
Quick Facts About the Bird of Paradise Tree
Here are some key facts about the bird of paradise tree:
- Genus: Strelitzia
- Species: Strelitzia reginae
- Common Names: Bird of paradise, crane flower
- Native to: South Africa
- Height: Up to 20 feet tall
- Flowers: Orange and blue that resemble tropical birds
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Warm weather, full sun, well-drained soil
Description of the Bird of Paradise Tree
The bird of paradise is an evergreen perennial shrub or small tree that grows up to 20 feet tall in its native habitat but typically reaches 10 feet when cultivated. It has large grey-green leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long and 6 inches wide. The most distinctive feature of the plant are its flowers which grow up to 4-5 inches long.
The bird of paradise gets its name from its unique orange and blue flower which has three upright orange sepals and three blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-shaped structure. The third petal forms a fan-like shape. Together the flower looks like a tropical bird in flight, giving rise to its common name.
The flowers grow on long stalks that emerge from a stout cone-shaped bract. Multiple bracts can grow in a plant, each producing several flowers over the course of a blooming period. The bracts and flowers grow horizontally or angled upwards.
Origin and Natural Habitat
The bird of paradise is native to southwestern South Africa. It grows in swamps and near streams in its native range. The natural habitat is warm temperate to subtropical regions with high humidity and rainfall.
In the wild, bird of paradise plants flower during the southern hemisphere’s summer season from October to May. The plants propagate by seeds and suckers that sprout from the underground root system. Plants can live up to 15 years in the wild.
History and Mythology
The bird of paradise has a long history dating back to the 1400s. It is believed that Arab traders brought the first plants to Europe from South Africa. At the time, many exotic plants were being brought from around the world as new trade routes were established.
The first known illustration of the bird of paradise flower was published in the Vienna Codex around 1553. The illustration shows the long spadix and distinctive bird-like flower. This ancient manuscript contains over 4,000 watercolor illustrations of various plants and helped spread knowledge of the bird of paradise to Europe.
For centuries there were myths and legends surrounding the origin of the bird of paradise. Since it was unlike any European flower, people speculated that it must come from far away tropical locations like paradise or India. Traders helped fuel the myths by keeping the plant’s true South African origin a secret in order to fetch higher prices.
During the Victorian era, the bird of paradise flower became a popular symbol for paradise and exotic beauty. It was featured extensively in decorative arts of the period and commonly given as gifts to represent good luck and prosperity.
Cultivation and Care
Today, the bird of paradise continues to be a popular houseplant and garden plant around the world. Here are some tips for growing bird of paradise plants:
- Light – Bird of paradise requires full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil – Well-draining, loamy soil is ideal. Soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Water – Water thoroughly then allow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. More water is needed in hot climates.
- Temperature – Ideal growing temperature is 60-85°F. Plants can tolerate short periods of cold and heat.
- Fertilizer – Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning – Prune dead leaves and spent flower stalks. Can prune to shape plant as needed.
- Propagation – Easily grown from divisions, suckers, seed or stem cuttings.
In outdoor gardens, bird of paradise does best in zones 10-12 where temperatures do not drop below 30°F. Provide ample sunlight and well-drained soil for best growth and flowering.
As a houseplant, bird of paradise requires bright light from a southern or western window. Use a quality potting mix and water when the top inch becomes dry. Fertilize monthly and watch for pests like mealybugs, scale and spider mites.
Interesting Facts
- The bird of paradise is the official flower of the city of Los Angeles, California.
- Two bird of paradise flowers feature on the South African 20 cent coin.
- While exotic looking, the bird of paradise flower has no fragrance.
- During the Victorian era, it was a custom to give bird of paradise flowers to actors after performing well.
- Bird of paradise plants were used to make arrow poison in South Africa.
- The bird of paradise is highly prized by florists for its long vase life of up to 2 weeks.
- A red variety of bird of paradise was created through selective breeding.
- The bloom time for each flower cluster is 6-8 weeks.
Symbolism
The unique and beautiful bird of paradise flower has inspired many symbolic meanings:
- Freedom and joyfulness – The unrestricted flying bird shape represents freedom.
- Paradise and hospitality – Features in Polynesian welcoming customs.
- New beginnings and rebirth – The orange sepals symbolize the rising sun.
- Faithfulness and thoughtfulness – A 20th anniversary flower.
- Uniqueness and magnificence – No other flower looks quite like it.
- Royalty – Historically reserved for royal garments and gardens.
- Perfection – Considered the ultimate floral gift to express perfection.
The striking bird of paradise flower continues to inspire artists, poets and casual admirers with its beauty and symbolic elegance.
Common Name | Scientific Name | Origin |
---|---|---|
Bird of Paradise | Strelitzia reginae | South Africa |
Uses
Today, the bird of paradise flower is extensively used for ornamental purposes. Some of its top uses include:
- Landscaping – Used to provide tropical flair to gardens, patios, pool areas.
- Cut flowers – Popular and exotic looking cut flower for floral arrangements.
- Indoor plants – Brighten up indoor spaces as potted plants or indoor trees.
- Bouquets and corsages – Striking addition for wedding bouquets, corsages, proms.
- Art and design – Inspires artists and used as theme in fabrics, wallpaper, home decor.
- Incense and perfume – Dried bird of paradise petals and leaves used in incense and perfumes.
The gracefully arching grey-green leaves and vibrant orange and blue blooms have an eye-catching appeal. Bird of paradise plants add a unique, tropical vibe wherever they are used in gardens or inside the home.
Conclusion
With its highly distinctive flowers and exotic tropical allure, it’s easy to see why the bird of paradise tree has earned its regal common name. This eye-catching plant has adorned gardens for centuries and continues to gain popularity worldwide. The bird of paradise’s long history and varied symbolic meanings only add to its enduring appeal and mystique. Its grace, beauty and ability to evoke faraway paradises ensure the bird of paradise tree a treasured place in gardens and plant lover’s hearts for years to come.