Heliconia – the Lobster Claw Flower

Heliconia is one of the most colourful and distinctive decorative genus of plants used all over the world. There are many different species of  this plant including the Heliconia acuminata, Heliconia adflexa, Heliconia aemygdiana, Heliconia aemygdianam Heliconia albicosta, Heliconia angusta and Heliconia atropurpurea. However the most popular species in Guyana is called the Heliconia rostrata. Heliconis rostrata is popularly known by its scientific name. However, it goes by the names of hanging lobster claw, toucan beak, wild plantains, and false bird of paradise.

Origin

Heliconia rostrata is native to the tropical Americas and Pacific Oceans and Asia. It grows in countries such as Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.

Scientific Classification of Heliconia Rostrata

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Clade: Commelinids
• Order: Zingiberales
• Family: Heliconiaceae
• Genus: Heliconia
• Species: H. rostrata

Interesting tip

• Heliconia comes from the Greek word helikṓnios.
• The genus Heliconia has about two hundred and fifty (250) different plant species.
• The national flower of Bolivia, a country in South America is the Heliconia rostrata.
• Heliconia is mildly toxic to cats.

Description of Heliconia Rostrata

Heliconia rostrata are herbaceous, perennial and rhizomatous plants. They typically grow up to three (3) to six (6) feet when grown as decoration. If left to nature, they can get as big as fifteen (15) feet. The leaves of this plant are oval in shape with a dark glossy green colour. They are very similar to those of the banana trees and grow upright, surrounding the flower stems. The stems of this plant are stout and reed-like. The most decorative part of Heliconia rostrata, or any Heliconia plants are their bracts. Bracts are modified leaves with a flower, or cluster of flower at the axil. They are thick and erect, found in a variety of colours including the most popular, red, orange and yellow, sometimes splashed at the tips with gold. These flowers are shaped like lobster claws or a parrot beak and face downwards, which makes it different from the other Heliconias that face the sky. The seeds of Heliconia rostrata are small and globular. When ripe they turn a dark blue or purple colour.

Interesting tip

• The nectar that is produced from Heliconia flowers attracts pollinators like hummingbirds bats.
• The young shoots of certain Heliconia species can be eaten.
• Water is collected in the bracts of the plant which serves as a home for tiny aquatic organisms.

Uses of Heliconia Rostrata

• Heliconia rostrata plants are widely used as ornamentals in landscapes and gardens. This is because of their varying colours of inflorescence plant forms. This is their most popular use and one can see why for Heliconia rostratas carry the look of an exotic tropical plant.
• The young shoots of certain Heliconia species can be eaten.
• The Rhizome of heliconia rostrata is used for jaundice, high blood pressure and intestinal pain. The leaves and seeds of Heliconia rostrata are used as a tonic, and for treating headache, sprains, and pain.
• The Rhizome of heliconia rostrata is used for jaundice, high blood pressure and intestinal pain.
• Some natives in the tropical Americas use Heliconia leaves for wrapping food.
• The leaves of the Heliconia rostrata are used for making roofs by natives.

Most Guyanese seem to favour the Heliconia rostrata, which may be due to their brightly coloured bracts, tipped in gold by an artist’s brush. If you are a fan of lobster, you might take to this weird yet unique flowering plant. They are a popular choice in overseas gardens because of their very tropical and unique look.  Although they are mainly used for decoration, Heliconia rostrata plants provide homes and nectar for specific organism and animals. The next time you are looking for a plant to add to your garden or lawns, keep in mind the Heliconia rostrata, though any species of Heliconia plants make an excellent choice for added style and beauty.

Article References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconia
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconia_rostrata
• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/lobster-claw-plant/heliconia-growing-conditions.html
• http://artimedicinalplants.blogspot.com/2018/01/heliconia-rostrata.html
• https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2724

Last updated: 2020-02-21