Heliconia chartacea

Native to tropical South America, this tall perennial herb forms clumps of leafy shoots from underground rhizomes. Broad, banana-like leaves often split into narrow strips and have a pale, waxy underside. Long hanging inflorescences carry conspicuous pink bracts, commonly arranged in a spiral along the flowering axis. The bracts shelter smaller green flowers. Mature fruits turn deep blue. Plants grow especially well in bright forest openings and disturbed sites, where their large foliage and pendant displays stand above surrounding vegetation. Photographed in Colombia.