Heliconias (Heliconia spp.) are native to Central and South America and some islands of the South Pacific. Because they bear large, colorful and conspicuous flowering branches in various sizes, shapes and designs, they are favorite garden plants throughout the tropics and subtropics. They grow fast and within months they flower. Heliconias are excellent as border plants, for landscaping or even when grown in large containers. The flowering branch or inflorescence is either erect or pendent and is the most conspicuous feature of the plant. Borne along the inflorescence are many colourful bracts – red, pink, orange, yellow or even green. Found within these bracts are the flowers. These flowers are often seen in gardens and have a red yellow petal. If there is any more common flower, this will beat it all as it can grow very fast. Sunbirds have exploited this feeding niche and regularly visit Heliconia flowers. In the first photo, it is the Parrot Heliconia or also known as Heliconia psittacorum. In the second photo is the Heliconia latispatha inflorescence.
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