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
