Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Zingiberales
Genus:
Species:
obscura
ID:
439021

Status:
valid

Authors:
Dodson & A.H.Gentry

Source:
wcs

Year:
1978

Citation Micro:
Selbyana 2: 297 (1978)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000438353

Common Names

  • Heliconia Obscura
  • Green Heliconia
  • Dark Heliconia

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Description

Heliconia obscura (also called 'Dark Heliconia', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a large, dark red and yellow inflorescence. It is native to Central and South America, and is found in wet and moist habitats such as rainforests and swamps.

Uses & Benefits

Heliconia obscura is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower. It is also used for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever, headaches, and stomachaches.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Heliconia obscura sub. obscura

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Heliconia obscura are large and yellow in color. The seeds are small and black in color. The seedlings are small and have oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Heliconia obscura is a tropical perennial that grows best in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a warm, sheltered location. Division can be done in spring or autumn. Plants should be spaced 1-2 feet apart.

Where to Find Heliconia obscura

Heliconia obscura can be found in Central and South America.

Heliconia obscura FAQ

What is the scientific name of Heliconia obscura?

Heliconia obscura

What is the natural habitat of Heliconia obscura?

Tropical rainforests of Central and South America

What are the common names of Heliconia obscura?

Dark Heliconia, Dark Lobster Claw

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

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-248509: Based on the initial data import
Alwyn Howard Gentry (1945-1993): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'A.H.Gentry' in the authors string.
Calaway H. Dodson (1928-2020): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Dodson' in the authors string.