Status:
valid
Authors:
Griggs
Source:
wcs
Year:
1903
Citation Micro:
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 30: 650 (1903)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000439216
Common Names
- Heliconia tortuosa
- Tortuous Heliconia
- Tortuous Lobster Claw
Synonyms
- Bihai tortuosa Griggs [unknown]
Description
Heliconia tortuosa (also called False Bird of Paradise, Parrot's Beak, and Lobster Claw, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant native to Central and South America. It has long, narrow leaves and bright red and yellow flowers. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, often growing in wet areas.
Uses & Benefits
Heliconia tortuosa is used as an ornamental plant and can be grown in pots or hanging baskets. It is also used as a houseplant and is known for its bright and colorful flowers.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Heliconia tortuosa has yellow and red flowers with yellow anthers and a white stigma. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Heliconia tortuosa is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that grows up to 3 m tall. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Propagation is by cuttings or by seed. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and planted in a well-draining potting mix. Seeds should be sown in spring in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Where to Find Heliconia tortuosa
Heliconia tortuosa can be found in tropical regions of Central and South America.
Heliconia tortuosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Heliconia tortuosa?
Heliconia tortuosa
What is the natural habitat of Heliconia tortuosa?
Heliconia tortuosa is found in tropical rainforests in Central and South America.
What are the blooming periods of Heliconia tortuosa?
Heliconia tortuosa blooms from late spring to early summer.
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,