Heliconia vaginalis

Native from Costa Rica into northwestern South America, this perennial herb grows in moist secondary forests and along streams. Its leafy shoots have a slender, ginger-like appearance and carry numerous leaves on short stalks. Upright inflorescences bear several red bracts arranged in two rows. Yellow papery floral bracts surround clusters of long, curved yellow flowers with green tips. The flowers project outward as they open. The smooth fruits turn blue when ripe. Grown as a tropical ornamental, it attracts birds. Photographed in Colombia.