Exotic Paradise With Banana Connection

Have you found your paradise on earth? I found something of a paradise in a park but sorry to disappoint you with this paradise....which has nothing to do with beach, babes and pina coladas.

I photographed this exotic looking flower called Heliconia Rostrata (Lobster Claw or false Bird of Paradise) in a park. I can see the resemblance to lobster claws and also that of a bird (see photo on the far right).

At first, I thought this was "banana flowers" because it does resemble one actually. I did some research and found some interesting bits on this exotic paradise and I should give myself a pat on the back because there is a banana connection after all...read on and find out...:D

Description: A spectacular beauty, this heliconia has hanging spiralling pendulous bracts colored red and yellow. "Rostrata" refers to the shape of the bracts like a parrots beak. The main flowering period is in the summer but can last throughout much of the year. Great for the tropical look, and to bring almost instant colour and height to your garden. Grown in full sun to 50% shade.Common names for the genus include lobster-claw and false bird-of-paradise, the latter from their close similarity to the bird-of-paradise flowers. Heliconia flowers are mostly hidden by the large, colourful specialised leaves called bracts. Thriving in full sun to semi-shade, the bracts may be produced most of the year but more particularly in the warmest months. Individual inflorescences last for many weeks, even when cut, making them an important cut flower for the floral trade. Heliconias are related to bananas, cannas and gingers and traditionally have been included in the Banana Family.

(Source of description :http://heartgarden.com.au/description.asp?id=119)

This is the concluding part of my insect travel stories posted earlier. I have discovered unexpected wonderful surprises right here in my country. If you visit Malaysia, don't miss the Butterfly Park.