White Bird Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

The White Bird of Paradise is scientifically known as Strelitzia nicolai and is commonly known as the White Bird of Paradise, Wild Banana or Giant Bird of Paradise.  It grows to about 5 to 6 feet wide and 18 feet tall.  Its grey-green leaves, arranged in a fan-like form at the top of the stems, grows from 18 to 24 inches wide and 3 to 4 feet long with petioles that are often four to five feet long.  White Bird of Paradise flowers can be seen at the point where the leaf fan protrudes from the stem.  These flowers are significantly large with a light blue tongue and sits in a purplish bract.  Following these flowers are triangular seed capsules.

Most White Bird of Paradise tends to grow in clusters with multiple stems growing out of a single base. These stems can grow to about 30-35 feet tall.  These stems make the White Bird of Paradise resemble the Palm tree except that it is thinner than most palms.  Under optimum conditions, Strelitzia nicolai is useful in creating a lush, tropical effect because of its eyecatching evergreen look.

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