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Common Name: Heliconia, Psittacorum, Parrot's Beak, Parakeet flower

Botanical Name: Heliconia psittacorum (syn. Bihai psittacorum) - [ (hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh) named for Helicon, the mountain of the muses in Greek mythology; (sit-a-KOR-um) from the Greek psittakos (of parrots) ] Family: Heliconiaceae (heliconia family) - [ (hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh-see-ay) the Heliconia family)

Origin: Tropical America

Heliconias are one of the most tropical looking plants. It is a must to have in a garden to create a tropical paradise. Heliconia psittacorum varieties form a group of smaller growing Heliconias which rarely exceed 5ft (1.5 m). They are less affected by cool temperatures than other Heliconias and also require less care. Can be grown in containers and kept indoors. Psittacorums have no particular blooming season and produce inflorescences all year long, usually blooming already during the first year after planting. Inflorescence makes a long lasting cut flower.

The reddish pointed structures are called bracts. These tough, leathery structures protect the actual flower, which is yellow and quite delicate. The hummingbird that comes to this flower has a beak precisely shaped to fit into the flower. When the bird feeds, it receives a meal of nectar and in return, the plant's flower is pollinated. Grow best at temperatures above 70 F and should never be subjected to temperatures of less than 50 F for extended periods. Heavy feeders. The soil should be kept moist between waterings, never soaking wet. Propagation by rhizomes.

Courtesy: - Top Tropicals - Heliconia Society of Puerto Rico, Inc.