Heliconia nutans

Native to Costa Rica and Panama, this perennial herb grows in wet tropical habitats. Its leafy shoots resemble small banana plants, with broad, long leaves and a stature commonly between about two and six feet. Hanging inflorescences carry several broad red to orange bracts, often arranged around the axis in a spiral. Each bract encloses a cluster of numerous yellow flowers. The curved flowers project from their protective bracts as they open, producing a conspicuous contrast of warm colors. Photographed in Panama.