Bird of paradise

Bird of paradise, plant (Strelitzia reginae) named for the colorful bird which its flowers resemble. Native to South Africa, this perennial herb grows to a height of 3 to 4 ft (0.9 to 1.2m) and has long-stalked leaves. Several showy flowers, with orange sepals and blue-purple petals, rise from each of the boat-shaped bracts that tip the flowering stalks.