Strelitzia Reginae AKA Bird of Paradise

 

Strelitzia reginae (aka bird of paradise)

     Strelitzia reginae (aka bird of paradise) is one of five Strelitzia species native to the subtropical coastal areas of South Africa.  The flowers typically bloom from Late fall through late spring.  This is a  hardy, drought-tolerant plant that grows well in Southern California.  This plant is growing in a Santa Barbara city park.

Strelitzia reginae (aka bird of paradise)

     Birds seek out the nectar, which is found in the “nectary” at the base of the flower where two petals join together. A bird hops onto the smaller, lower petal, and the bird’s weight exposes the anthers, which brush pollen on the bird’s feet and chest. When the bird flies to another flower, it lands on the prominent and sticky stigma and deposits pollen, before hopping in for another nectar treat.

Strelitzia reginae (aka bird of paradise)

     Another interesting fact is that Strelitzia produce no wind-borne pollen, and have an OPALS allergy scale rating of 1.  That means there is a very low risk of causing allergic reaction.