SafePlants

Heliconia pendula: The Hanging Lobster Claw

Heliconia pendula, also known as lobster-claw, wild plantain, or false bird-of-paradise, is a striking tropical plant prized for its vibrant, colorful bracts and unique, pendulous flowerheads. These breathtaking flowerheads rise from clumps of banana-like leaves, adding a touch of the exotic to any landscape.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces sap that can be sticky or irritating.
• The plant grows from rhizomes which may be attractive to diggers.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces sap that can be sticky or irritating.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Heliconia pendula Wawra
• Common Names: Lobster-claw, wild plantain, false bird-of-paradise
• Family: Heliconiaceae (Heliconia is the only genus in this family)
• Group: Monocot

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Guyana and northern South America.
• Also found in South Mexico.
• Grows well in coastal conditions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows to varying heights depending on the specific cultivar (e.g., 3.5-4.5m for 'Red Waxy', 5-6 feet for 'Atlantica', 12 feet for 'Frosty', 12-18ft for an unnamed variant).
• Has banana-like leaves.
• Features pendulous bracts that come in various colors, including red, pink, orange, and yellow. Some cultivars have white sepals.
• Some varieties are cold tolerant.
• Some plants have a white waxy coating on the stems and undersides of the leaves.
• Grows from rhizomes.
• Inflorescence is upright and distichous for one variety.

Cultivars

• 'Red Waxy'
• 'Atlantica'
• 'Bright Red' (also known as 'Bright Red Pendula')
• 'Frosty'
• 'Red Rio Negro' (Heliconia tarumaensis 'Red Rio Negro')

Cultivation

• Prefers full sun to partial shade (30% shade is mentioned).
• Requires moderate watering.
• Can be grown in most coastal conditions.
• Propagated via rhizomes.

Quirky Facts

• The bracts of the Heliconia pendula 'Bright Red' cultivar are described as being "almost like a hanging Red".
• One source notes "Heliconia pendula (we think)" about a photo in La Danta Salvaje, suggesting uncertainty even among enthusiasts.

Further Information

• Some Heliconia bihai clones can be found at Fairchild Tropical Garden.