Lobster Claw, Heliconia psittacorum

FAMILY:
Heliconiaceae

ORIGIN:
Neotropical America

DESCRIPTION:
Rhizomatous perennial with elliptic or oblong to linear smooth dark green leaf blades up to 20″ long resembling a banana leaf; bears erect inflorescences 5 – 28″ long of 2 – 7 upcurved-orange red bracts in 2 ranks; flowers have orange-red sepals with green-banded tips; grows 2 – 6 ft.

CULTIVATION:
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; light shade

PROPAGATION:
Division

COMMENTS:
A host plant for the Owl butterfly

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