Heliconia

Heliconia, commonly known as lobster-claws, false bird-of-paradise, or firebird, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Heliconiaceae. This genus is native to tropical America and the Pacific Islands. Heliconias are characterized by their large, showy, and often brightly colored bracts, which are modified leaves that enclose the true flowers. These bracts can be red, orange, yellow, pink, or green, and are arranged in spectacular patterns.

The plants themselves are herbaceous perennials, often growing from rhizomes. They typically have long, banana-like leaves that grow in a spiral arrangement. The true flowers of Heliconia are small and inconspicuous, typically white or yellow, and are borne within the bracts. The vibrant bracts are the main attraction and serve to attract pollinators, primarily hummingbirds and bats, as well as insects.

There are over 200 species of Heliconia, exhibiting a wide range of sizes and forms, from small, creeping plants to tall, upright specimens reaching several meters in height. Many species are popular ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical gardens due to their exotic appearance and long-lasting floral displays. They are also used as cut flowers in floral arrangements. Different species have adapted to various habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and wet meadows. The genus is named after Mount Helicon, a mountain in Greece sacred to the Muses.