Heliconia angusta

Native to southeastern Brazil, this perennial herb spreads by rhizomes and produces upright leafy shoots. Long, narrow-oblong leaves have pointed tips and sheathing bases that form a false stem. Erect flowering spikes carry a series of pointed bracts arranged in two rows, enclosing clusters of small pale flowers. Red-bracted plants are familiar in cultivation, but yellow and orange forms are also grown. Its relatively compact stature and conspicuous flowering display make it useful in shaded tropical gardens. Photographed in Florida.