Alias: Strelitzia
Origin: Native to the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa
Name Source:
The Bird of Paradise flower, known for its vibrant and symbolic beauty, was once a wild plant that held deep cultural meaning for local African communities. They regarded it as a symbol of freedom, good fortune, and joy. However, for many years, it remained relatively unknown outside its native region.
In the 18th century, Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, became fond of this unique flower. She was captivated by its striking resemblance to a bird's head and beak. Since her birthplace was called "Paradise Bird Village," she named it the "Bird of Paradise." Later, it was also referred to as the "Blissful Bird." This royal endorsement brought international recognition to the flower, making it one of the most admired blooms worldwide.
Alias Source:
Some horticulturists in China believe the flower's shape resembles a crane stretching its neck, which led to another name for the plant.
Family: Perennial Herbs
Morphological Characteristics:
This plant can grow up to 1 meter tall, with a clustered growth habit. Its leaves are broad and banana-like, with long petioles arranged in a fan shape. The stems emerge from the base and can reach up to 560 cm in length. The inflorescence is enclosed in a boat-shaped bract and grows in a palm-like cluster. When it blooms, the flowers display a mix of purplish-red, orange, and light blue hues, resembling a swan in flight. It has a long blooming period, from autumn through spring, with about 20 to 30 flowers per plant each year. If properly cared for, the flowers can last over 10 days.
Market Situation:
Despite the rapid development of the global flower industry, the Bird of Paradise remains rare due to its difficult propagation. In its natural habitat in Africa, only hummingbirds help pollinate the flowers, and the germination rate is low. It typically takes more than three years for seedlings to develop into mature plants with over 90 leaves before they bloom. As a result, it is considered a premium flower, often costing as much as ten roses. During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the Bird of Paradise was presented to gold medal winners, earning it the title "The Flower of the Winner."
Use Characteristics:
While the Bird of Paradise is large in size, its foliage isn't always aesthetically pleasing for indoor decoration. Therefore, it's more commonly used in open fields for cut flower production. It's a popular choice in large-scale floral arrangements around the world. In 1990, at the Tokyo Flower Arrangement Expo, Japanese artist Suzuki Cang Yu created a stunning piece using a maple leaf background and a single Bird of Paradise flower. Inspired by a Chinese prose quote, the artwork received widespread admiration, proving the flower's artistic significance.
Growth Habits:
Although it's a herb, the Bird of Paradise has a lignified base and fleshy underground roots that absorb water and nutrients efficiently but are sensitive to waterlogging. Most cultivation occurs in greenhouses with precise control of temperature, humidity, and light. It thrives best between 20°C and 30°C. Below 8°C, growth slows, and below 3°C, it may die. While it can be grown outdoors in southern regions like Lingnan, northern areas require protection to ensure flowering.
Cultivation and Conservation:
To maintain the health of its fleshy roots, it's important to choose planting sites with low groundwater levels—ideally less than 35 cm below the surface. Raised beds or mounds should be built, and organic fertilizers added to support root development and nutrient absorption. In summer, leaf tips may turn yellow due to low humidity or pests like scale insects. If infestations occur, they should be manually removed and treated with a 25% imidothiophosphate solution, applied every seven days for up to three times to ensure effectiveness.
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