HELICONIA ROSTRATA

Common name: Lobster claw, Hanging heliconia

Botanical name: Heliconia rostrata   

Family: Heliconiaceae (heliconia family)

Geographical Distribution:

A widely cultivated species which originates from Peru and Ecuador.

Introduction: Heliconia rostrata is one of the most recognized and widely grown species, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is still considered one of the most beautiful. Heliconia rostrata has a pendent inflorescence, the bracts are red with greenish yellow edges. Each bract resembles a lobster's claw, hence the common name. It is a very popular species, and one of the more common in cultivation. Heliconia rostrata is one of the most recognized and widely grown species, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it is still considered one of the most beautiful. The inflorescence it produces is one of the most colorful one will ever encounter. The mature plant normally starts to flower in the summer. The flowers last a long time and make an excellent cut flower. It is an easy grower in tropical areas but some room is required because the stalks can reach 7 feet in height.

Lobster claw is an herbaceous perennial with leathery, dark green leaves which are borne on long petioles arising directly from the ground. It has 3- to 5-feet-tall stems terminated by a drooping inflorescence. The flowers hang in showy clusters that emerge from second year stalks. They are enclosed by scarlet and yellow colored bracts that are 6 to 8 inches long. This unique plant is used as a specimen for tropical gardens. The inflorescence may be cut for indoor decoration where they last for several weeks.

Medicinal uses: The Rhizome of heliconia rostrata is use in Intestinal pain, Jaundice and in high blood pressure.

Flowers and Fruits: Summer, fall