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bird-of-paradise
Scientific Name: Strelitzia
Family: Strelitziaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Birds-of-Paradise: A Captivating Family
The birds-of-paradise are members of the family Paradisaeidae within the order Passeriformes.
Distribution and Habitat
- The majority of species are found in eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Some are also found in parts of Australia and the tropical rainforests of southeast Asia.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Birds-of-paradise are famed for their elaborate plumage and fascinating courtship displays. Male superb birds of paradise carry a two-pronged, iridescent blue shield on their breasts. Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise has electric plumage. Dark bird-of-paradise have stout, ivory bills, broken white eye-rings and blue wings, back and tail. Male dark birds-of-paradise are otherwise black with fine, blue tail plumes and two long.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Birds of paradise can be found in the tropical forests of New Guinea.
- Their fantastic plumes and courtship dances are examples of evolutionary adaptation and sexual selection.
Further Information
- The Birds-of-Paradise Project reveals complex displays. Visit http://www.birdsofparadiseproject.org for more information.
Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae): An Exotic Flower
The bird-of-paradise, also known as crane flower, has the scientific name Strelitzia reginae.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Common Names: Crane flower
- Family: Closely related to the banana family.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to South Africa.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- It is a herbaceous plant.
- The bird-of-paradise develops slowly by division of its underground stem and has a trunkless, clump forming pattern of growth. A mature clump stands 4–5.
- It is a bold, architectural plant.
Historical Context
- Bird-of-paradise flower has been grown at Kew since 1773.