Heliconia angusta

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Heliconia angusta

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Heliconiaceae
Genus: Heliconia
Species: H. angusta
Binomial name
Heliconia angusta

Heliconia angusta Vell. (syn.: Heliconia agustifolia Hook., Heliconia bicolor Benth., Heliconia brasiliensis Hook.), of Heliconiaceae family is an erect herb typically growing 0.70 m tall, native to Brazil (South America).

[edit] General

Heliconia angusta is commonly called the Christmas heliconia because its red and white inflorescences usually emerge during the holiday season. Wild populations, which are native to southeastern Brazil, are classified as vulnerable by the World Conservation Union largely due to the conversion of their diminishing habitats for agricultural purposes. However, the genetic diversity of wild populations has, at least in part, been preserved by the ex-situ cultivation of Heliconia angusta. The popularity of Heliconia angusta as a tropical garden plant and horticultural specimen has encouraged widespread propagation of this species by commercial nurseries and botanical gardens.[1]

[edit] Uses

It is a popular ornamental plant in hot regions with a humid climate.

[edit] References

  • (Portuguese) Lorenzi, H.; Souza, M.S. (2001) Plantas Ornamentais no Brasil: arbustivas, herbáceas e trepadeiras. Plantarum ISBN 85-86714-12-7
  • (Portuguese) [1]