What does the Bird of Paradise flower look like?
Strelitzia reginae produces extraordinary blooms on tall, stiff stems rising from paddle-shaped leaves. The flower consists of three vivid orange sepals and three brilliant blue petals — two fused together into an arrow-like structure. The combination creates the impression of an exotic tropical bird in mid-flight. Individual flowers last for weeks and the plant produces multiple blooms on each stem in succession.
Why is the Bird of Paradise the national flower of Cape Verde?
Cape Verde chose the Strelitzia as its national flower to reflect the islands' dramatic natural landscape and African botanical heritage. Though native to South Africa, it thrives in the Cape Verde climate — hot sun, poor well-drained soils, and minimal rainfall — and is widely cultivated across the islands.
Growing Bird of Paradise in the UK
In the UK, Bird of Paradise is grown as a houseplant or in a heated conservatory. It thrives in full sun, needs a free-draining compost, and dislikes waterlogging. Water moderately in summer and sparingly in winter. Plants typically take 3–5 years to produce their first flowers. Mature plants flower best when slightly root-bound, so resist repotting until the roots are visibly escaping the pot.
Flor nacional de Cabo Verde
La flor nacional de Cabo Verde es el Ave del Paraíso (Strelitzia reginae), conocida por sus extraordinarias flores de color naranja y azul. Esta planta, originaria de Sudáfrica, se cultiva ampliamente en las islas de Cabo Verde gracias al cálido clima atlántico del archipiélago.