por what is the heliconia rostrata?
heliconia rostrata, known as the false bird of paradise, is a large perennial herbaceous species, whose flowering is exuberantly beautiful. Its scarlet-red bracts stand out against the yellow perianths, forming clusters of hanging flowers.
This plant is distributed in the subtropical and tropical forests of the vast majority of Caribbean and South American countries. However, it can also be found on the European continent, where it was introduced at the end of the 17th century.
This species is known by various names: toucan beak, lobster claw, platanillo, crab claw, and hanging heliconia. In Bolivia it is called patujú and constitutes, together with the Cantua buxifoliathe national flower.
Among the most notable characteristics are its rapid growth, large leaves and a long-lasting inflorescence. These have turned the heliconia rostrata in an ornamental plant of high demand worldwide.
It also has an ecological function of great importance in the recovery of eroded land. In addition to this, research is currently being carried out on the possible anticoagulant effects of this species against the venom of the snake known as velvet. (Bothrops asper).
Features of the heliconia rostrata
The heliconia rostrata It is a perennial species that can measure between 1.5 and 3 meters high, although in its natural habitat it could reach almost 5 meters in height.
It is a rhizomatous plant, whose stem is underground and is formed by buds. These grow horizontally, emerging from each node several roots and herbaceous shoots.
The leaves are bright green. They are characterized by being oval, glabrous and elongated. They are approximately 0.60 to 1.5 meters long and 25 to 35 centimeters wide. The leaf margin is irregularly torn, the base is narrow and alternately located.
The long petioles grow vertically from the ground, with the inflorescence stalks located in the center of the plant. These stems can measure up to two meters in height.
The coloration of the flowers makes them very attractive visually. The large bracts are cardinal red, contrasting with a yellow perianth. The edge is slightly greenish.
The perianth has three petals and three sepals. The bracts are lanceolate and about 15 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. These are arranged as terminal hanging clusters up to 60 centimeters long.
They are zygomorphic and hermaphrodite. If the flowers are pollinated by nectar-eating bats or hummingbirds, violet-blue fruits may be observed.
The reproduction of the heliconia rostrata It could be from seeds. These are formed, among other factors, thanks to the pollination carried out by some animals. Also, hanging heliconia can be propagated asexually, via rhizomes.
The rhizome grows horizontally on the surface or below the ground. The growth of this is indefinite, the oldest parts die, giving way to new shoots. In this way, the false bird of paradise can cover large tracts of ground.
Several plants could also be obtained, separating the crown of rhizomes that are formed at the base of these, known as clumps. Each rhizome is planted separately in a bag or pot filled with high nutrient soil. At the third month it can already be transplanted to the definitive site.
taxonomy
Kingdom Plantae.
Spermatophyta superdivision.
Magnoliophyte Division.
Class Liliopsida.
Order Zingiberales.
Family Heliconiaceae.
Gender Heliconia.
Species heliconia rostrata (Ruiz & Pav).
Habitat and distribution
The patujú, the name by which this species is known in Bolivia, is distributed in Central America, especially in Guatemala, Belize, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica. In South America it lives in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.
It grows in tropical forests, with a maximum altitude of 600 m asl and with an annual rainfall greater than 2,000 mm. These ecosystems usually have humid areas, warm climates and slightly acid soils, although they could also develop in alkaline ones. The optimum pH would be between 5 and 7.
The best soil for this species is that of alluvial origin, because it has good drainage and is rich in organic components. In addition to this, it has an ideal proportion of clay, silt and sand.
The optimum temperature for the development of the heliconia rostrata It is between 25 and 32 °C. This species is more tolerant of cold temperatures than the rest of the members of its genus. It can be grown in areas with a climate of up to 15 °C.
However, they cannot live in places where snowfall occurs, with the exception of being in greenhouses. Nor do they flower if the temperature is higher than 35 °C.
care
These plants can grow in outdoor gardens in those regions with tropical or semi-tropical climates. However, they could adapt to moderately cold climates, keeping them in greenhouses or even inside the home.
In both cases, some recommendations should be taken into account, among which are:
soil maintenance
It is important that the soil has good drainage, is aerated and well nourished. For this it is recommended that it be mixed with leaf compost and a little sand.
Lightning
In their natural habitat, false birds of paradise are exposed to a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. It is essential to control this factor if you want constant and abundant flowering. If the environment has little light, the leaves will be lush, but the plant will have fewer flowers.
For this reason, it is important to plant it or place the pot in the place where there is the highest incidence of sunlight during the day.
Irrigation
The soil must be kept moist, so depending on the weather, it may need to be watered several times a day. If the rhizome is newly planted, the amount of water should be less, preventing the excess from rotting the roots.
Fertilizer use
To keep the soil well nourished, specialists recommend using organic fertilizers. The proportions and frequency of its use will depend on its chemical characteristics.
pruning and maintenance
the plants of heliconia rostrata they do not require pruning. However, it is advisable to remove the dry or damaged leaves, as well as the inflorescence stems, when the flowers are dry.
Applications
The heliconia rostrata It is known for the brilliant coloration of its flowers, which makes it an almost essential element of decoration in environments decorated in a tropical or country style. To this can be added the fact that the inflorescences maintain their characteristics, such as colour, shape and texture, for a long time. In addition, its great ability to adapt to different environments means that it can be part of internal gardens, in houses and shopping centers, among others.
This species is used in different ecosystems to protect water sources and in the reforestation of ecosystems. On slopes or in eroded ravines, the rhizomatous growth of the heliconia rostrata makes it counteract the possible movements of the earth.
Some species, belonging to the Heliconiaceae family, have the ability to partially or totally neutralize the lethal effects of the poison of Bothrops asper. In recent investigations, where plants of heliconia rostrataprimary and secondary metabolites were identified that acted by delaying the coagulant effect of the venom of that animal for up to 45.59 seconds. These studies could introduce heliconia rostrata within the field of traditional medicine, as a compound with anti-venom effect.
References
Heliconia rostrata. Retrieved from itis.gov.
Heliconia rostrata Lobster Claw. University of Florida. Retrieved from edis.ifas.ufl.edu.