Bird of Paradise, Mandela’s Gold, Kirstenbosh Gold, Crane Flower, Canna-leaved Strelitzia, Yellow Strelitzia

Native to parts of Cape Province and Natal in South Africa, the banana-family plant would bask in the sun along coastal clearings or riverbanks. South African natives treasure S. reginae for its dazzling colors, but even more for the plant’s strong antioxidant properties. Today’s South African traditional medicine uses the leaf extract in treatment of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens, such as urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.

Striking colors of S. reginae’s flowers and their unique shape gave rise to the plant’s nickname Bird of Paradise. The plant puts on a show especially during twilight. At this time, the unnoticeable clump of banana-like foliage flaunts spectacularly iridescent blue and orange flower petals that shine in the soft glowing light from the sky. Indisputable sensation of this tropical plant advanced its popularity in Los Angeles gardens, and ensured that S. reginae was deservedly promoted to become the official city flower.

Attractive appearance and versatility of landscape use make S. reginae a popular choice for Mediterranean gardens of Woodland Hills. This six-foot high evergreen perennial makes a charming focal point, but looks equally attractive mixed with other shrubs along walkways and borders.

Height: 5 to 6 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Spacing: 4 feet

Soil: clay, loam, sand, moist but well-drained
pH: acid, alkaline, neutral
Exposure: full to partial sun, sheltered from wind

Water: average
Tolerance: drought tolerant
Toxicity: toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Cock, I. E. (2017, April). Medicinal Plant Images: Figure 1: Strelitzia reginae. Pharmacognosy Communications, 7(2), 102-103. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316997303_Medicinal_plant_images_PC_2017_72#:~:text=However%2C%20S.,Decoctions%20prepared%20from%20crushed%20S.

Gardenia. (n.d.). Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise). https://www.gardenia.net/plant/strelitzia-reginae-bird-of-paradise

University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bird-of-paradise-strelitzia-reginae/