Status:
valid
Authors:
W.J.Kress & Betancur
Source:
wcs
Year:
1993
Citation Micro:
Caldasia 17: 190 (1993)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000439190
Common Names
- Heliconia terciopela
- Terciopela Heliconia
- Terciopela Lobster-Claw
Description
Heliconia terciopela (also called False Bird of Paradise, among many other common names) is a tropical perennial herbaceous plant native to Central and South America. It is a rhizomatous plant that grows up to 3 m tall and is characterized by its long, narrow leaves and bright red and yellow flowers. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions, often in moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Heliconia terciopela is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as cut flowers for bouquets. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, fever, and as an anti-inflammatory.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Heliconia terciopela has large, bright red flowers with yellow centers and long, brown seed pods. The seedlings are small, with thin, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Heliconia terciopela is a large, evergreen shrub that grows up to 3 m tall. It prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or division. Sow the seeds in a seed tray filled with a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination occurs. Divide the clumps in spring or summer and replant in a potting mix. Keep the divisions moist and warm until they root.
Where to Find Heliconia terciopela
Heliconia terciopela can be found in tropical regions of Central and South America.
Heliconia terciopela FAQ
What is the scientific name of Heliconia terciopela?
Heliconia terciopela
What is the common name of Heliconia terciopela?
Parrot's Beak
What is the natural habitat of Heliconia terciopela?
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,