Heliconia psittacorum, or Parrot Flower is an erect, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial that is cultivated as an ornamental garden plant in warm, sub tropical and tropical climates.
It produces vibrant, upward pointing, large green leaves and pseudostems that are quite thin and erect, bearing an inflorescence of flowers at the top.
They are in fact a brightly coloured, waxy bract that forms a shell shape around the paler coloured flower and are quite spectacular being brightly coloured in shades of orange, gold and red.
These are nectar rich blooms and attract a throng of birds and insects to your garden.
The flowers mature to dark blue, rounded fruits.
An excellent addition to cut flower arrangements, being a bit more delicate than other Heliconias.