The most common are the yellow and red caribaeas. These plants can grow to up to 20' in overall height. The Heliconia is characterized by narrow, waxy bracts in gold, yellow and red hues. The cut heliconia are dramatic components in large exotic tropical flower arrangements and can last up to two weeks. The original anthurium was introduced in Hawaii by an English missionary in 1889 from Columbia.
Most anthuriums are primarily ornamental.
The flowers are very popular because of their brilliant colors and durability even after they are cut. Reasonably priced, anthuriums last several weeks after cutting and they travel well, delighting people all over the world with their shiny, heart-shaped petals. A truly unique gift of Hawaii. The familiar orange and blue flowered bird of paradise, Strelitzia reginae , is seen so often in Hawaiian floral decorations that it has very nearly assumed the status of a trademark for Hawaiian flowers. It is, in fact, a native of Africa.