It is an evergreen tree with multi-stems that form dense clumps. The Natal Wild Banana grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. Color: White and bluish Bloom Time: Fall to winter. Strelitzia nicolai, on the other hand, refers to the Wild Banana, aka the Giant White Bird of Paradise. Species. Scientific Classification. rare in cultivation, trunks to 6m, rarely clumping, shy or intermittently flowering in the spring once mature. This is a tall, striking foliage plant related to the well-known Crane Flower, Strelitzia reginae. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa 2(1–2): 1–152(pt. These banana-like plants with true stems may be low growing or tree-like. Once planted out this plantis fast growing. Strelitzia alba is the rarest of the three large banana-like Strelitzia species occurring in southern Africa which are separated by flower characteristics and distribution. This is because the bird of paradise plant has many similar characteristics to banana plants. Plant Type: Tree. It can grow up to 30' tall, clumping to form a jungle on its own. It is popular as an indoor plant in the huge office blocks of the city. It withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens. Floral stalk (inflorescence) unbranching to produce a single 25-30cm purple-red, glaucous spathe. Surprisingly it will even survive it a large pot for several years, and this may be the best way to grow it if you have a patio or small garden. Durban. It is easy to care for and its stately presence and striking flowers make it a popular choice for those wanting a statement plant. However, Strelitzia is more closely related to Ravenala, the Madagascar plant known as the Traveler’s Palm. Plant type. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. The dark, glossy leaves are attractive even when flowers are not present. Frogs and ducks often shelter in the clumps along rivers for protection. Uses. Origins and Meanings of Names of South Africa. The Natal Wild Banana grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals and a bluish-purple "tongue". Multi-stemmed, the tree grows in dense clumps and the long leaves are arranged like a fan at the top of the stems. Strelitzia nicolai; Quantity . Please read text! Pet/baby safe. Vervet and Samango monkeys feed on the soft part of the flowers as well as on the orange aril of the seeds. Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Koern. Natal flora Publication. It prefers rich, moist soils with good drainage in full sun to part shade. 2003, "Animal Pigment Bilirubin Discovered in Plants", "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strelitzia_nicolai&oldid=983097919, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 October 2020, at 06:45. S. nicolai is restricted to evergreen coastal forest and thicket of eastern South Africa from the Great Fish River northwards to Richards Bay. 19cm; 35cm Related to the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia regina ), this close cousin is a much larger plant forming huge clumps of stems to 30 feet in comparison to S. regina's 3 to 4 feet height. Van Wyk, B and Van Wyk, P. 1997. The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals, and a bluish-purple "tongue". It will grow in semi-shade or full sun and requires a moderate amount of water, composted soil and space to spread. Grant, R and Thomas, V. 1998. Although not related to the true bananas or the wild banana Ensete ventricosum, the leaves and growth habit of S. nicolai are somewhat similar and probably account for the common name. Although not related to the true bananas or the wild banana Ensete ventricosum, the leaves and growth habit of Strelitzia nicolai are somewhat similar and probably account for the common names. The Natal wild banana is evergreen and creates a lush, tropical effect in the garden. Birds or bananas–those are lofty names indeed. Wild banana; white bird of paradise. Air purifying. The large Leaves, in 2 opposite vertical rows, are sheathing at the base. [6] In favourable conditions they self-seed freely, and their invasive root systems are best kept away from buildings.[7]. Giant White Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana Strelitzia nicolai is the Giant Bird of Paradise, a towering mass of tropical foliage. The plant tolerates light frost. Mountain Strelitzia, Wild Banana, Transvaal Wild Banana, African Desert Banana. Leaf stalks are dried and used to make a rope for building fish kraals and huts. Summer. It is a common feature of the coastal vegetation from East London northwards. The Natal wild banana is fairly drought tolerant, but it does not tolerate severe frost, so plant it in a protected spot inland. Propagation is via division of clumps, offsets and from seed. Mountain strelitzia (Strelitzia caudata) —Also called the “wild banana,” grows outdoor and has white, spiky flowers. Used for rope, seeds are ground into flour and made into patties which are roasted, do not plant near walls. The other two species, S. reginae and S. Nicolai (wild banana or giant white bird of paradise) are popular ornamental and house plants. It is also considered native to Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and is reportedly naturalized in eastern Mexico (State of Veracruz).[5]. Jackson, W.P. The flower of the Natal Wild Banana is a typical Crane Flower inflorescence, up to 500 mm long. Genus. Natal Wild Banana. They are produced mostly in autumn and winter, March to July. She was from the house of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. A large tropical plant with long, arching leaves. It produces showy foliage and flowers which resemble birds, hence the common name Giant Bird Of Paradise. Common names: Natal wild banana, (E); Natalse wildepiesang (A); isigude, igceba, inkamanga (Z); ikhamanga, isigude, isigceba (X). The inflorescence is compound (more than one flower). Anyone that has lived or holidayed on the KwaZulu-Natal coast in South Africa has to have noticed this plant. The entire flower can be as much as 18 cm (7.1 in) high by 45 cm (18 in) long, and is typically held just above the point where the leaf fan emerges from the stem. To grow from seed remove the orange arils and sow seed in a mixture of equal parts river sand and compost. Not registered yet? Struik Publishers. It also looks good contrasted with evergreen lawns and shrubs. Strelitzia Strelitzia. This is a tall, striking foliage plant related to the well-known Crane Flower, Strelitzia reginae. By Geoff Nichols. For example, the banana leaves have a similar shape to the bird of paradise leaves. Gibbs Russell, G. E., W. G. M. Welman, E. Retief, K. L. Immelman, G. Germishuizen, B. J. Pienaar, M. Van Wyk & A. Nicholas. Birds and blue duiker also feed on the flowers. Packet of 10+seeds.. Strelitzia alba also known as white-flowered wild banana, or Cape wild banana is a plant of the Bird of Paradise family and is endemic to the Garden Route along the southernmost coastal regions of the district of Humansdorp Eastern and district of Knysna in Western Cape in South Africa. Click here to register. The immature seeds are edible and tasty. Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the giant white bird of paradise or wild banana, is a species of banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m (20 ft), and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m (11 ft). The entire flower can be up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) tall, up to 18 inches (45 cm) long and is typically held just above the … The stem is woody and smooth in texture. The Natal wild banana grows mostly in coastal dune vegetation and in evergreen forests near the coast. 1990. Strelitzia nicolai is an eyecatching evergreen, effective throughout the year and is useful for creating a lush, tropical effect. Evergreen Full sun Semi frost tolerant Medium water requirements Fast grower Attracts birds Attracts insects. Johannesburg. The Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai) grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. Bird of Paradise White Wild Banana Strelitzia Nicolai Seeds. Flower. Pooley, E 1993. Strelitzia nicolai. It is wind resistant which makes it very suitable for coastal gardens. 1987. : 34. 1), 1–270(pt. Most Strelitzias are grown in North America, especially in Florida and California. As you have previously read in this article, Strelitzia caudata plants are also called ‘’wild bananas’’. Attached to the stem by long, thick leaf stalks are the enormous, opposite leaves that are shiny and grey-green, with blades capable of reaching up to 2m in length. Natal wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai). Moeketsi LetselaWitwatersrand National Botanical Gardenwith additions by Yvonne ReynoldsJune 2002, SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Aspect: Full Sun, Morning Sun (Semi Shade), Afternoon Sun (Semi Shade). General Size: Small. SA Tree No: 34. Eco-Gardening with Strelitzia nicolai. UCT Publishers. Strelitzia in USA. Sappi Tree Spotting Kwazulu-Natal. 2), Joffe, P. Easy Guide to indigenous Shrubs. S. alba -. Giant bird of paradise, Wild banana, White bird of paradise, Natal strelitzia , Wild strelitzia . Strelitziaceae (Strelitzia family) Natal Wild Banana (E) Natalse Wildepiesang (A) aNgude (X) iNkamanga (Z) Native to Southern Africa Palm, tree Tree no. Here I am offering Seeds from Strelitzia nicolai, also known as Giant Bird of Paradise, Natal Strelitzia, Wild Banana, and Wild Strelitzia. [2][3], Strelitzia nicolai is among the few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually found in animals. Cape Town. Trees of South Africa. Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the giant white bird of paradise or wild banana, is a species of banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m (20 ft), and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m (11 ft). Trees of Natal. Flowering time: Spring. Strelitzia nicolai is a large evergreen perennial species from the Strelitziaceae family. Family: Strelitziaceae Genus: Strelitzia. Looking to buy Strelitzia nicolai, Wild Banana? Here I am offering Seeds from Strelitzia nicolai, also known as Giant Bird of Paradise, Natal Strelitzia, Wild Banana, and Wild Strelitzia. The flowers provides nectar that attracts sunbirds, especially Olive Sunbirdsand Grey Sunbirds. It makes an excellent focal point for a mid-size to large garden. Evergreen perennial, indoor. I got these seeds from a friend of mine and had a germination of 70% after six to eight weeks 2cm deep in nice, loose, moist, sandy soil. A crown of banana-like leaves atop a palm tree trunk, combined with huge, uniquely beautiful flowers, is deserving of the name, "Bird of Paradise tree." Description. The easiest way to propagate this tree is from root suckers, but it will also grow from seed. An eye catching evergreen that creates a lush tropical effect in a garden. List of species of southern African plants. It will live happily in shade or sun. It is light to dark grey and marked with old leaf scars. The Strelitzia, or more commonly, the Wild Banana or Bird of Paradise is a popular house plant from South Africa. This is one of the very few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually found in animals. Strelitzia nicolai. Discover our great prices today. It is an evergreen tree with multi-stems that form dense clumps. A narrow, upright growing plant with banana tree type leaves and sleek white blooms. Perfect for large containers or tropical themed borders. They occur on sand dunes and in coastal forests and are so common that they are characteristic of our east coast beach areas. Family: Strelitziaceae (Strelitzia or Crane flower family). Nursery pot size. leaf stem (petiole) to 1m, leaf blade to 60cm wide by 2m long. Wild Banana | Strelitzia Nicolai R 189.95 Shipping calculated at checkout. The seeds are black in colour, with a tuft of a bright orange woolly aril on the lobe. The tree flowers throughout the year with a peak in spring-summer. Strelitzia nicolai is commonly grown both indoors and outdoors as well, in the case of warmer climates. It needs a … Adds height and drama to mixed plantings, indoors or out. Keep seedlings in a shady spot for the first season. It is a common feature of the coastal vegetation from East London northwards. Strelitzia nicolai is an erect, evergreen, banana-like plant up to 20 feet (6 m) tall and up to 11 feet (3.3 m) wide, with erect, woody stems. Common names: Natal wild banana, (E); Natalse wildepiesang (A); isigude, igceba, inkamanga (Z); ikhamanga, isigude, isigceba (X). Taken in my garden, Sheffield, Ballito, South Africa. White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) —A stunning example of a tall indoor house plant with white and blue flowers. It grows in evergreen forest, gorges, and on slopes along the rivers. Nickname. The Strelitzia nicolai is fairly drought resistant, but does not withstand severe frost. Cover with a thin layer of compost and keep moist. Plants require many years of growth before they begin blooming. It grows in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and up into Mozambique towards Zimbabwe. The 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)-long leaves are grey-green and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems, similar to Ravenala madagascariensis. Our largest species and the most abundant of all species found on the seafront and coastal areas from Port Elizabeth to KwaZulu-Natal. These tear in the wind and come to resemble giant feathers. Login to add your Comment The root system is aggressive,however, so don't plant it too close to structures and paths. The Natal wild banana grows mostly in coastal dune vegetation and in evergreen forests near the coast. The name Strelitzia was given to honour Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England. Flowers are followed by triangular seed capsules. This is one of the very few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually found in animals. Works well for screening unwanted views or defining boundaries. The leaves are large and oblong in shape, measuring up to 1.5m in length, they are borne on long stems up to 2m tall. Natal Wild Banana Strelitzia nicolai . Plant height (including pot) 90-100cm; 120-130cm . Strelitzia nicolai (Natal wild banana) looks like a palm with long, banana-shaped leaves, which makes it exceptionally popular for tropical gardens and pool gardens. [4], Strelitzia nicolai is one of three larger Strelitzia species, the other two being tree-like S. caudata and S. alba. The flowers of this tree have white sepals with blue petals and consist of 5 purplish blue, boat-shape sheaths.The whole flower resembles the head of the bird, with a white crest and purple beak. Mildly toxic if ingested . Briza Publications. Jacana Publishers. It can reach 8 m in height and forms dense clumps up to 3 m wide. Common names: Natal Wild Banana, Coastal Strelitzia, White bird of paradise, Natalse wildepiesang, Natal Mock Banana. Yes. Finally, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Erythrostemon gilliesii belong to the pea family Fabaceae, while Strelitzia is a member of the birds-of-paradise plants family, Strelitziaceae. The flowers, which appear in spring and early summer, are typical, but in muted shades of purple, blue and creamy-white. There has been some confusion over which Nicholas the specific epiphet honours, but original description in Garden flora states that the name nicolai is in honour of Grand duke Nikolai Nikolaievich the elder, third son of Czar Nicholas I of Russia, and not for the Czar. Cape Town. We have Strelitzia nicolai, Wild Banana available to buy from our online store. It is light to dark grey and marked with old leaf scars. The stem is woody and smooth in texture. It can be used to offset hard landscaping, buildings and pools etc. Strelitzia nicolai is commonly known as the Wild Banana, as this plant offers very similar foliage to banana. This is a tall, striking foliage plant related to the well-known crane flower, Strelitzia reginae. The leaves are grey-green up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems. 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The case of warmer climates and a bluish-purple `` tongue '' well-known Crane flower, Strelitzia caudata plants also! `` tongue '' automated spam submissions birds and blue flowers noticed this offers! For the first season the garden the well-known Crane flower, Strelitzia more...

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