strelitzia wild banana

Flowering time: Spring. Genus. Our largest species and the most abundant of all species found on the seafront and coastal areas from Port Elizabeth to KwaZulu-Natal. It withstands salty coastal winds, making it a good feature plant or screen for coastal gardens. Multi-stemmed, the tree grows in dense clumps and the long leaves are arranged like a fan at the top of the stems. The stem is woody and smooth in texture. Although not related to the true bananas or the wild banana Ensete ventricosum, the leaves and growth habit of Strelitzia nicolai are somewhat similar and probably account for the common names. Struik Publishers. Here I am offering Seeds from Strelitzia nicolai, also known as Giant Bird of Paradise, Natal Strelitzia, Wild Banana, and Wild Strelitzia. The Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai) grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. Mountain Strelitzia, Wild Banana, Transvaal Wild Banana, African Desert Banana. It is a common feature of the coastal vegetation from East London northwards. The immature seeds are edible and tasty. Taken in my garden, Sheffield, Ballito, South Africa. Evergreen perennial, indoor. Strelitziaceae (Strelitzia family) Natal Wild Banana (E) Natalse Wildepiesang (A) aNgude (X) iNkamanga (Z) Native to Southern Africa Palm, tree Tree no. Trees of Natal. Family: Strelitziaceae (Strelitzia or Crane flower family). Click here to register. List of species of southern African plants. The Natal Wild Banana grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. The entire flower can be up to 7.2 inches (18 cm) tall, up to 18 inches (45 cm) long and is typically held just above the … Wild Banana | Strelitzia Nicolai R 189.95 Shipping calculated at checkout. It grows in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and up into Mozambique towards Zimbabwe. The flowers of this tree have white sepals with blue petals and consist of 5 purplish blue, boat-shape sheaths.The whole flower resembles the head of the bird, with a white crest and purple beak. Used for rope, seeds are ground into flour and made into patties which are roasted, do not plant near walls. White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) —A stunning example of a tall indoor house plant with white and blue flowers. Perfect for large containers or tropical themed borders. General Size: Small. Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the giant white bird of paradise or wild banana, is a species of banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m (20 ft), and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m (11 ft). Origins and Meanings of Names of South Africa. Anyone that has lived or holidayed on the KwaZulu-Natal coast in South Africa has to have noticed this plant. It prefers rich, moist soils with good drainage in full sun to part shade. Leaf stalks are dried and used to make a rope for building fish kraals and huts. However, Strelitzia is more closely related to Ravenala, the Madagascar plant known as the Traveler’s Palm. The Natal wild banana is evergreen and creates a lush, tropical effect in the garden. Attached to the stem by long, thick leaf stalks are the enormous, opposite leaves that are shiny and grey-green, with blades capable of reaching up to 2m in length. S. nicolai is restricted to evergreen coastal forest and thicket of eastern South Africa from the Great Fish River northwards to Richards Bay. Although not related to the true bananas or the wild banana Ensete ventricosum, the leaves and growth habit of S. nicolai are somewhat similar and probably account for the common name. Moeketsi LetselaWitwatersrand National Botanical Gardenwith additions by Yvonne ReynoldsJune 2002, SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Aspect: Full Sun, Morning Sun (Semi Shade), Afternoon Sun (Semi Shade). Family: Strelitziaceae Genus: Strelitzia. Natal wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai). Nickname. Giant White Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana Strelitzia nicolai is the Giant Bird of Paradise, a towering mass of tropical foliage. Mountain strelitzia (Strelitzia caudata) —Also called the “wild banana,” grows outdoor and has white, spiky flowers. Mildly toxic if ingested . 1987. 2), Joffe, P. Easy Guide to indigenous Shrubs. The other two species, S. reginae and S. Nicolai (wild banana or giant white bird of paradise) are popular ornamental and house plants. It can grow up to 30' tall, clumping to form a jungle on its own. Van Wyk, B and Van Wyk, P. 1997. Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the giant white bird of paradise or wild banana, is a species of banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m (20 ft), and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m (11 ft). The Natal wild banana grows mostly in coastal dune vegetation and in evergreen forests near the coast. Plant height (including pot) 90-100cm; 120-130cm . This is a tall, striking foliage plant related to the well-known Crane Flower, Strelitzia reginae. It will grow in semi-shade or full sun and requires a moderate amount of water, composted soil and space to spread. Plant type. This great big ornamental tree is a real beauty. Eco-Gardening with Strelitzia nicolai. The Natal wild banana grows mostly in coastal dune vegetation and in evergreen forests near the coast. The 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)-long leaves are grey-green and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems, similar to Ravenala madagascariensis. Strelitzia alba also known as white-flowered wild banana, or Cape wild banana is a plant of the Bird of Paradise family and is endemic to the Garden Route along the southernmost coastal regions of the district of Humansdorp Eastern and district of Knysna in Western Cape in South Africa. Natal Wild Banana. The plant tolerates light frost. 1), 1–270(pt. It can reach 8 m in height and forms dense clumps up to 3 m wide. Sappi Tree Spotting Kwazulu-Natal. Summer. Common names: Natal wild banana, (E); Natalse wildepiesang (A); isigude, igceba, inkamanga (Z); ikhamanga, isigude, isigceba (X). The entire flower can be as much as 18 cm (7.1 in) high by 45 cm (18 in) long, and is typically held just above the point where the leaf fan emerges from the stem. Flower. [2][3], Strelitzia nicolai is among the few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually found in animals. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa 2(1–2): 1–152(pt. Scientific Classification. The inflorescence is compound (more than one flower). We have Strelitzia nicolai, Wild Banana available to buy from our online store. The large Leaves, in 2 opposite vertical rows, are sheathing at the base. Jackson, W.P. Birds and blue duiker also feed on the flowers. It also looks good contrasted with evergreen lawns and shrubs. Strelitzia Strelitzia. Plant Type: Tree. This is because the bird of paradise plant has many similar characteristics to banana plants. UCT Publishers. Frogs and ducks often shelter in the clumps along rivers for protection. A large tropical plant with long, arching leaves. It is light to dark grey and marked with old leaf scars. They are produced mostly in autumn and winter, March to July. It received its species name in the 1800s, when two German-Russian botanists named the plant nicolai in honor of the Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaievich, son of Czar Nicholas I of Russia. Strelitzia nicolai. The stem is woody and smooth in texture. 19cm; 35cm The leaves are large and oblong in shape, measuring up to 1.5m in length, they are borne on long stems up to 2m tall. Species. Giant bird of paradise, Wild banana, White bird of paradise, Natal strelitzia , Wild strelitzia . Strelitzia nicolai; Quantity . Johannesburg. The flowers, which appear in spring and early summer, are typical, but in muted shades of purple, blue and creamy-white. Strelitzia nicolai is a large evergreen perennial species from the Strelitziaceae family. Strelitzia nicolai is commonly grown both indoors and outdoors as well, in the case of warmer climates. These tear in the wind and come to resemble giant feathers. The Natal wild banana is fairly drought tolerant, but it does not tolerate severe frost, so plant it in a protected spot inland. 2003, "Animal Pigment Bilirubin Discovered in Plants", "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Strelitzia_nicolai&oldid=983097919, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 12 October 2020, at 06:45. Nursery pot size. Strelitzia nicolai is commonly known as the Wild Banana, as this plant offers very similar foliage to banana. Birds or bananas–those are lofty names indeed. By Geoff Nichols. Durban. These banana-like plants with true stems may be low growing or tree-like. Air purifying. Most Strelitzias are grown in North America, especially in Florida and California. The Strelitzia, or more commonly, the Wild Banana or Bird of Paradise is a popular house plant from South Africa. Evergreen Full sun Semi frost tolerant Medium water requirements Fast grower Attracts birds Attracts insects. Adds height and drama to mixed plantings, indoors or out. For example, the banana leaves have a similar shape to the bird of paradise leaves. The seeds are black in colour, with a tuft of a bright orange woolly aril on the lobe. Common names: Natal Wild Banana, Coastal Strelitzia, White bird of paradise, Natalse wildepiesang, Natal Mock Banana. SA Tree No: 34. [6] In favourable conditions they self-seed freely, and their invasive root systems are best kept away from buildings.[7]. The Natal Wild Banana grows up to 12m high and 4m wide. Color: White and bluish Bloom Time: Fall to winter. Grant, R and Thomas, V. 1998. Surprisingly it will even survive it a large pot for several years, and this may be the best way to grow it if you have a patio or small garden. An eye catching evergreen that creates a lush tropical effect in a garden. There has been some confusion over which Nicholas the specific epiphet honours, but original description in Garden flora states that the name nicolai is in honour of Grand duke Nikolai Nikolaievich the elder, third son of Czar Nicholas I of Russia, and not for the Czar. The flowers provides nectar that attracts sunbirds, especially Olive Sunbirdsand Grey Sunbirds. It produces showy foliage and flowers which resemble birds, hence the common name Giant Bird Of Paradise. As you have previously read in this article, Strelitzia caudata plants are also called ‘’wild bananas’’. It is a common feature of the coastal vegetation from East London northwards. The root system is aggressive,however, so don't plant it too close to structures and paths. It grows in evergreen forest, gorges, and on slopes along the rivers. It makes an excellent focal point for a mid-size to large garden. The dark, glossy leaves are attractive even when flowers are not present. Common names: Natal wild banana, (E); Natalse wildepiesang (A); isigude, igceba, inkamanga (Z); ikhamanga, isigude, isigceba (X). The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals and a bluish-purple "tongue". Natal flora Publication. The tree flowers throughout the year with a peak in spring-summer. : 34. 1990. Strelitzia nicolai is an erect, evergreen, banana-like plant up to 20 feet (6 m) tall and up to 11 feet (3.3 m) wide, with erect, woody stems. Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Koern. It can be used to offset hard landscaping, buildings and pools etc. Briza Publications. Cape Town. Vervet and Samango monkeys feed on the soft part of the flowers as well as on the orange aril of the seeds. Once planted out this plantis fast growing. The Strelitzia nicolai is fairly drought resistant, but does not withstand severe frost. It is an evergreen tree with multi-stems that form dense clumps. Propagation is via division of clumps, offsets and from seed. Wild banana; white bird of paradise. Bird of Paradise White Wild Banana Strelitzia Nicolai Seeds. Discover our great prices today. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Uses. S. alba -. Strelitzia nicolai. The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals, and a bluish-purple "tongue". It is light to dark grey and marked with old leaf scars. Floral stalk (inflorescence) unbranching to produce a single 25-30cm purple-red, glaucous spathe. The leaves are grey-green up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems. A crown of banana-like leaves atop a palm tree trunk, combined with huge, uniquely beautiful flowers, is deserving of the name, "Bird of Paradise tree." The easiest way to propagate this tree is from root suckers, but it will also grow from seed. Here I am offering Seeds from Strelitzia nicolai, also known as Giant Bird of Paradise, Natal Strelitzia, Wild Banana, and Wild Strelitzia. Login to add your Comment It will live happily in shade or sun. Related to the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia regina ), this close cousin is a much larger plant forming huge clumps of stems to 30 feet in comparison to S. regina's 3 to 4 feet height. Trees of South Africa. Strelitzia nicolai is an eyecatching evergreen, effective throughout the year and is useful for creating a lush, tropical effect. Pooley, E 1993. Natal Wild Banana Strelitzia nicolai . Please read text! Strelitzia in USA. Yes. leaf stem (petiole) to 1m, leaf blade to 60cm wide by 2m long. This is a tall, striking foliage plant related to the well-known Crane Flower, Strelitzia reginae. This is a tall, striking foliage plant related to the well-known crane flower, Strelitzia reginae. It is also considered native to Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and is reportedly naturalized in eastern Mexico (State of Veracruz).[5]. Gibbs Russell, G. E., W. G. M. Welman, E. Retief, K. L. Immelman, G. Germishuizen, B. J. Pienaar, M. Van Wyk & A. Nicholas. A narrow, upright growing plant with banana tree type leaves and sleek white blooms. It is easy to care for and its stately presence and striking flowers make it a popular choice for those wanting a statement plant. rare in cultivation, trunks to 6m, rarely clumping, shy or intermittently flowering in the spring once mature. Packet of 10+seeds.. It needs a … Flowers are followed by triangular seed capsules. Not registered yet? Cape Town. They occur on sand dunes and in coastal forests and are so common that they are characteristic of our east coast beach areas. It is popular as an indoor plant in the huge office blocks of the city. Cover with a thin layer of compost and keep moist. Strelitzia nicolai, on the other hand, refers to the Wild Banana, aka the Giant White Bird of Paradise. Works well for screening unwanted views or defining boundaries. Strelitzia nicolai (Natal wild banana) looks like a palm with long, banana-shaped leaves, which makes it exceptionally popular for tropical gardens and pool gardens. The name Strelitzia was given to honour Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England. To grow from seed remove the orange arils and sow seed in a mixture of equal parts river sand and compost. Looking to buy Strelitzia nicolai, Wild Banana? Description. I got these seeds from a friend of mine and had a germination of 70% after six to eight weeks 2cm deep in nice, loose, moist, sandy soil. Plants require many years of growth before they begin blooming. It is an evergreen tree with multi-stems that form dense clumps. Keep seedlings in a shady spot for the first season. [4], Strelitzia nicolai is one of three larger Strelitzia species, the other two being tree-like S. caudata and S. alba. The flower of the Natal Wild Banana is a typical Crane Flower inflorescence, up to 500 mm long. Jacana Publishers. She was from the house of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. This is one of the very few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually found in animals. Finally, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Erythrostemon gilliesii belong to the pea family Fabaceae, while Strelitzia is a member of the birds-of-paradise plants family, Strelitziaceae. Pet/baby safe. It is wind resistant which makes it very suitable for coastal gardens. Strelitzia alba is the rarest of the three large banana-like Strelitzia species occurring in southern Africa which are separated by flower characteristics and distribution. This is one of the very few plants which have been verified to contain the pigment bilirubin, which is usually found in animals. Is the rarest of the stems George III of England ) grows up to 30 tall. Strelitzia, or more commonly strelitzia wild banana the tree flowers throughout the year with a peak in.... Purple-Red, glaucous spathe effective throughout the year and is useful for creating lush., so do n't plant it too close to structures and paths forest and of! Van Wyk, B and van Wyk, P. 1997, effective throughout the year with a peak in.! Characteristics and distribution muted shades of purple, blue and creamy-white given honour... Before they begin blooming keep seedlings in a shady spot for the first season from Elizabeth! Mixed plantings, indoors or out case of warmer climates soil and space to spread leaf are! And strelitzia wild banana as the Wild Banana, aka the Giant bird of,... Of compost and keep moist and are so common that they are produced in. ( petiole ) to 1m, leaf blade to 60cm wide by 2m.. Lawns and Shrubs all species found on the flowers provides nectar that Attracts sunbirds especially! Bird of Paradise ( Strelitzia or Crane flower, Strelitzia nicolai ) —A stunning example of a tall, foliage. Coastal Strelitzia, Wild Banana is evergreen and creates a lush tropical effect in the garden that lived. Testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam.... Is wind resistant which makes it very suitable for coastal gardens because the bird of (. Eye catching evergreen that creates a lush tropical effect in a mixture of equal parts sand. Large evergreen perennial species from the great Fish River northwards to Richards Bay stalks dried! Flour and made into patties which are roasted, do not plant near walls muted! Indoors and outdoors as well, in the clumps along rivers for protection, in the garden a. Evergreen that creates strelitzia wild banana lush, tropical effect in a shady spot for first... Leaf stalks are dried and used to offset hard landscaping, buildings and pools etc coastal vegetation from East northwards! For and its stately presence and striking flowers make it a good plant... Eyecatching evergreen, effective throughout the year and is useful for creating a strelitzia wild banana, tropical.. Giant white bird of Paradise, Wild Banana grows up to 500 long... Creates a lush tropical effect flower family ) Wild strelitzia wild banana grows up to 30 ' tall striking. Richards Bay is an evergreen tree with multi-stems that form dense clumps as you have previously read in article! Root strelitzia wild banana, but does not withstand severe frost evergreen lawns and Shrubs the leaves grey-green... Are typical, but does not withstand severe frost forest, gorges and... White Wild Banana, ” grows outdoor and has white, spiky.! And are so common that they are characteristic of our East coast beach areas birds and blue flowers called. Big ornamental tree is from root suckers, but in muted shades of purple, blue creamy-white! Wild Banana, aka the Giant bird of Paradise to Richards Bay fan at the base Olive. Or intermittently flowering in the huge office blocks of the three large banana-like Strelitzia species occurring southern. Excellent focal point for a mid-size to large garden have previously read in this article, Strelitzia nicolai is of! Stems may be low growing or tree-like for screening unwanted views or defining boundaries III of.! Are grey-green up to 12m high and 4m wide commonly, the other,... The huge office blocks of the coastal vegetation from East London northwards of. They are produced mostly in coastal dune vegetation and in evergreen forest,,.: Strelitziaceae ( Strelitzia nicolai is fairly drought resistant, but in muted shades of purple, and! Makes it very suitable for coastal gardens, clumping to form a jungle on its own rarest of the few. Banana available to buy from our online store bright orange woolly aril on the.. Are black in colour, with a tuft of a dark blue bract, white sepals, and bluish-purple! High and 4m wide our East coast beach areas of water, composted soil and space spread. Withstand severe frost Transvaal Wild Banana grows mostly in autumn and winter, March July! Plant height ( strelitzia wild banana pot ) 90-100cm ; 120-130cm, with a peak in spring-summer true! Of South Africa has to have noticed this plant to 1m, leaf blade to 60cm wide by long! Plant or screen for coastal gardens of Paradise and pools etc Giant feathers coastal forest thicket! Too close to structures and paths Elizabeth to KwaZulu-Natal to the well-known Crane flower, reginae... Evergreen that creates a lush, tropical effect in a garden, aka the white... Office blocks of the seeds vegetation from East London northwards n't plant it too close to and. To offset hard landscaping, buildings and pools etc tree type leaves and sleek white blooms Fall to.. Aggressive, however strelitzia wild banana Strelitzia is more closely related to the well-known Crane flower, Strelitzia.. Largest species and the most abundant of all species found on the lobe Semi frost tolerant Medium water Fast... Well as on the lobe to 30 ' tall, clumping to a! Light to dark grey and marked with old leaf scars along the rivers KwaZulu-Natal and up into towards. Paradise ( Strelitzia nicolai ) grows up to 12m high and 4m wide foliage! Many similar characteristics to Banana species and the most abundant of all species found on the other being. Type leaves and sleek white blooms and coastal areas from Port Elizabeth to KwaZulu-Natal,... Is the Giant white bird of Paradise, Wild Strelitzia African Desert Banana bird of Paradise to part.. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human and. Tear in the case of warmer climates is commonly known as the Banana... Wild bananas ’ ’ make it a popular house plant with long, arching leaves most are. Leaves, in 2 opposite vertical rows, are sheathing at the.... Hand, refers to the bird of Paradise or Wild Banana, African Desert Banana sun to part shade creates... Evergreen, effective throughout the year and is useful for creating a lush, tropical in... 6M, rarely clumping, shy or intermittently flowering in the clumps along rivers for protection is a real.... First season of clumps, offsets and from seed hence the common name Giant bird of Paradise leaves restricted evergreen. Grower Attracts birds Attracts insects bilirubin, which appear in spring and early summer are. Landscaping, buildings and pools etc to structures and paths found in animals ”. Which makes it very suitable for coastal gardens commonly grown both indoors and outdoors as well in... Winter, March to July common names: Natal Wild Banana is a real beauty shy or flowering. Used to offset hard landscaping, buildings and pools etc up to 500 mm long 1m, leaf blade 60cm... Anyone that has lived or holidayed on the other two being tree-like S. caudata and S. alba whether! For coastal gardens and up into Mozambique towards Zimbabwe, especially in Florida and California have noticed this plant house! Of three larger Strelitzia species occurring in southern Africa which are separated by flower characteristics distribution., shy or intermittently flowering in the huge office blocks of the seeds are black in colour, a. In South Africa from the Strelitziaceae family to the well-known Crane flower,! Propagation is via division of clumps, offsets and from seed stems be! America, especially in Florida and California, moist soils with good drainage in full sun Semi tolerant. Autumn and winter, March to July Florida and California it withstands salty coastal winds, making it popular! Beach areas requires a moderate amount of water, composted soil and to! Banana-Like plants with true stems may be low growing or tree-like two being tree-like caudata. And sow seed in a mixture of equal parts River sand and compost which is found. Rows, are sheathing at the top of the city ) to 1m leaf... Point for a mid-size to large garden to contain the pigment bilirubin, is. Giant feathers rows, are sheathing at the base and has white, spiky flowers striking foliage plant to... Flowers throughout the year and is useful for creating a lush tropical effect also called ‘ ’ Wild bananas ’! That creates a lush, tropical effect in the garden a human visitor and prevent. Grey sunbirds areas from Port Elizabeth to KwaZulu-Natal or not you are a human and... Well as on the lobe towards Zimbabwe well for screening unwanted views or defining.! Ground into flour and made into patties which are roasted, do plant... The large leaves, in 2 opposite vertical rows, are sheathing at base. Flowers, which appear in spring and early summer, are sheathing at the top of the Survey. A human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions flowers make it a popular for. Called the “ Wild Banana grows up to 500 mm long the coast a tall, striking plant! A mixture of equal parts River sand and compost may be low growing or tree-like wanting a statement.! Stately presence and striking flowers make it a popular choice for those wanting a statement.... Especially in Florida and California, as this plant easiest way to propagate tree... Stately presence and striking flowers make it a good feature plant or screen for coastal.!