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macawflower
Scientific Name: Heliconia bihai
Family: Heliconiaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Macaw Flower (Heliconia bihai)
The Heliconia bihai, commonly known as Macaw Flower, Macawflower, or Firebird, is a striking tropical plant admired for its vibrant bracts and unique flower structure.
Considerations for Pets
- Heliconia bihai is a rhizomatous herb.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Heliconia bihai (L.) L.
- Common Names: Macaw Flower, Macawflower, Firebird, Red Palulu, Lobster Claw, Bastard Plantain
- Family: Heliconiaceae
- Synonyms: Bihai bihai, Heliconia humilis, Musa bihai
- Kingdom: Plantae
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Caribbean and South America.
- Introduced to Hawaii and is now a naturalized ornamental garden plant.
- Observed in Rainforest, Paraty, Brazil.
Morphological Characteristics
- Large, perennial rhizomatous herb, typically growing up to 1.5 meters tall.
- Can grow as a large shrub (5-10 ft) or small shrub (2-5 ft).
Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to semi-shade.
- Requires regular watering.
Quirky Facts
- The petal of the Heliconia flower can be clipped to the nose to imitate a macaw.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Heliconia bihai.
- Additional resources may be available at www.biolib.cz (English version).
- Flickr Hive Mind provides a collection of photos tagged with "macawflower."