Like poinsettia, these heliconia seem to have leaves that just decide to color red and become the blossom based on that coloring, not because the flower is a whole different type of growth on the plant.
There are so many different styles of heliconia, I am amazed at the variety. They are like succulent flowers, in that they are waxy and thick. They seem like they would last forever because they are waxy and look fake - not at all the delicately petaled flowers of Seattle. Here are a few:
These seem very similar, but I was told they are two separate species of Heliconia, the pointy type that makes an upside-down Bird of Paradise, and these cascading pods. Both are intensely colored. I wonder where they put the pollen? Do birds eat the sections and then drop the seeds around town? I have much to learn.This looks to me like a cross between a waxy flower and a cob of corn trying to flower.The corncob flower that distains red and thinks in a corn farmer manner - Go big or just give up!An upward-facing Bird of Paradise cousin. This was in the garden of the Hotel Ladera, where the flowers are cut to decorate the eating areas and the lobby - but the fear of cutting does not seem to stop these show-offs!Speaking of show-offs, this looks to me like it was inspired by a tiki torch.
Dramatic, yes? The Heliconia family is large, brilliant, and prolific!
