Heliconia metallica

Native from Central America into tropical South America, this perennial herb grows in humid forests and other wet habitats. Rhizomes produce leafy shoots that can reach about ten feet tall. The foliage is especially distinctive, with dark green upper surfaces, contrasting pale midribs, and maroon undersides. Green bracts surround clusters of slender, curved, dark pink to red flowers. Its flowers and blue fruits attract birds. It is grown as an ornamental in tropical gardens. Photographed in Colombia.