Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Zingiberales
Genus:
Species:
indica
ID:
438443

Status:
valid

Authors:
Lam.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1785

Citation Micro:
Encycl. 1: 426 (1785)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000437775

Common Names

  • Heliconia indica
  • Wild Plantain
  • Tropical Plantain

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Synonyms

  • Heliconia aureostriata Hort.ex [unknown]
  • Heliconia buccinata Roxb. [unknown]
  • Heliconia indica bakeri Lane ex Barreiros [unknown]
  • Heliconia roseostriata hort. [unknown]
  • Heliconiopsis amboinensis Miq. [unknown]
  • Heliconiopsis indica (Lam.) Nakai [unknown]

Description

Heliconia indica (also called Indian Heliconia, among many other common names) is a flowering plant native to Central and South America. It is an evergreen perennial with long, narrow, glossy green leaves and bright red flowers. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates, and is often found in rainforests, near rivers, and in disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Heliconia indica is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a food source for livestock and as a source of fiber and dye.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Heliconia indica var. austrocaledonica (Vieill.) W.J.Kress
Heliconia indica var. indica
Heliconia indica var. micholitzii (Ridl.) W.J.Kress
Heliconia indica var. rubricarpa W.J.Kress
Heliconia indica var. dennisiana W.J.Kress

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Heliconia indica is a yellow-green spathe with a red-orange bract. The seed is a three-angled, flattened, brown nutlet. The seedlings are small, with long, narrow leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Heliconia indica is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil in a sunny to partially shaded position. It is best grown in a sheltered position, protected from strong winds. It is best propagated by division in spring or early summer.

Where to Find Heliconia indica

Heliconia indica is native to Central and South America and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Heliconia indica FAQ

What is the scientific name of Heliconia indica?

Heliconia indica

What is the common name of Heliconia indica?

Indian Heliconia

What is the natural habitat of Heliconia indica?

Tropical rainforests of Central and South America

Species in the Heliconia genus

Heliconia abaloi, Heliconia acuminata, Heliconia adflexa, Heliconia aemygdiana, Heliconia albicosta, Heliconia angelica, Heliconia angusta, Heliconia antioquiensis, Heliconia apparicioi, Heliconia arrecta, Heliconia atratensis, Heliconia atropurpurea, Heliconia aurantiaca, Heliconia aurea, Heliconia auriculata, Heliconia badilloi, Heliconia barryana, Heliconia beckneri, Heliconia bella, Heliconia berriziana, Heliconia berryi, Heliconia bihai, Heliconia boultoniana, Heliconia bourgaeana, Heliconia brachyantha, Heliconia brenneri, Heliconia burleana, Heliconia calatheaphylla, Heliconia caquetensis, Heliconia carajaensis, Heliconia caribaea, Heliconia carmelae, Heliconia chartacea, Heliconia chrysocraspeda, Heliconia clinophila, Heliconia colgantea, Heliconia collinsiana, Heliconia combinata, Heliconia cordata, Heliconia crassa, Heliconia cristata, Heliconia cucullata, Heliconia curtispatha, Heliconia danielsiana, Heliconia darienensis, Heliconia dasyantha, Heliconia densiflora, Heliconia dielsiana, Heliconia donstonea, Heliconia episcopalis,

Species in the Heliconiaceae family

Heliconia abaloi, Heliconia acuminata, Heliconia adflexa, Heliconia aemygdiana, Heliconia albicosta, Heliconia angelica, Heliconia angusta, Heliconia antioquiensis, Heliconia apparicioi, Heliconia arrecta, Heliconia atratensis, Heliconia atropurpurea, Heliconia aurantiaca, Heliconia aurea, Heliconia auriculata, Heliconia badilloi, Heliconia barryana, Heliconia beckneri, Heliconia bella, Heliconia berriziana, Heliconia berryi, Heliconia bihai, Heliconia boultoniana, Heliconia bourgaeana, Heliconia brachyantha, Heliconia brenneri, Heliconia burleana, Heliconia calatheaphylla, Heliconia caquetensis, Heliconia carajaensis, Heliconia caribaea, Heliconia carmelae, Heliconia chartacea, Heliconia chrysocraspeda, Heliconia clinophila, Heliconia colgantea, Heliconia collinsiana, Heliconia combinata, Heliconia cordata, Heliconia crassa, Heliconia cristata, Heliconia cucullata, Heliconia curtispatha, Heliconia danielsiana, Heliconia darienensis, Heliconia dasyantha, Heliconia densiflora, Heliconia dielsiana, Heliconia donstonea, Heliconia episcopalis,

References