Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Ornamental - It is popular for its striking flowers in gardens and containers. Cut flowers are used in flower arrangements due to their long-lasting nature. Food - In some areas, the seeds are consumed after roasting.
South Africa
It thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil.
The plant’s unique flowers resemble a bird’s head and beak and inspired its common name. It is a popular choice in gardens.
It is an evergreen perennial, 1.5-2 m tall.
Stems are short and underground (rhizomes). Above ground, plants appear stemless with leaves arising directly from the base.
Leaves are large, stiff, and sword-shaped, with a leathery texture. They are typically arranged in two rows and have a blue-green color on both surfaces. The margins are smooth, and leaf size can vary from 30-80 cm long and 5-8 cm wide.
Flowers are large, bird-like, and very showy. Each flower has three bright orange sepals and three blue petals that fuse at the tip to form a beak-like structure. Flowers emerge from a boat-shaped green and purple spathe (large, modified bract that encloses the flower bud before it blooms).
Fruit is a woody capsule with a triangular shape. It matures to a brown color and splits open to reveal black seeds with orange arils (fleshy attachments).
Flowering: It blooms throughout the year. However, in areas with distinct seasons, it blooms in warmer months.