Because of the banana shaped leaves and other plant characteristics it was classified in the banana family Musaceae , however now it has its own family Strelitziacea . The name Bird of Paradise comes from the spectacular flower shape which resembles a birds beak and head plumage. Flower The Bird of Paradise flower is a spectacular blossom. Long stemmed flowers emerge from green boat-shaped bracts which are bordered in red or purple. The numerous pointed petals of brilliant orange are contrasted with an arrow-shaped tongue of vivid blue.
Some species have white and blue.
Beginning normally in the winter and spring the flowers will come out in succession over a period of time. In colder climates greenhouse grown plants can bloom intermittently all year round. According to Graf by keeping the plant cool and dry in the spring flowering can be delayed until summer. If started from seed it takes five to seven years for blossoming to begin. Some text suggest three years from seed.