Heliconia bihai

Native to Mexico, the Caribbean and northern South America, this perennial herb forms dense clumps from underground rhizomes in wet tropical habitats. It grows about seven to sixteen feet tall, with large, banana-like leaves. Its upright flower clusters carry five to twelve broad, smooth bracts in two rows. The bracts are typically reddish orange with green margins and pointed tips. Hummingbirds visit the smaller, nectar-bearing flowers and transfer their pollen. The principal pollinating species varies among Caribbean islands, including the purple-throated carib on Dominica and the Hispaniolan mango on Hispaniola. Smooth blue fruits develop after flowering. The species has become naturalized on Oahu and Maui in Hawaii. Photographed in the department of Quindío, Colombia.