Heliconia hirsuta

Native to Central and South America and Trinidad, this perennial herb grows from underground rhizomes. Its leafy shoots have a ginger-like form, with short-stalked leaves extending outward along the stems. The upright flower clusters bear five to ten narrow, pointed bracts in two rows. Bracts vary from yellow and orange to red, and the yellow to orange or red flowers have dark green spots near their tips. The small fruits turn dark blue when ripe. Hummingbirds pollinate its flowers. Nectar released from glands on the bracts also attracts ants. In Trinidad, it flowers throughout the year, and individual flower clusters can last for several months. Photographed in Colombia.