Heliconia marginata (Griggs) Pittier 1926, a big Heliconia plant native to the tropical American countries, Bolivia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru is often confused with Heliconia rostrata Ruiz & Pav. 1802. As Heliconias are used as ornamental plants in many tropical countries, we found a lot of Heliconia marginata plants in our home country Thailand, but it wasn`t easy to identify the tropical plant. Finally we`re not a 100 % convinced, that this big Heliconia plant is Heliconia marginata. The colorful Heliconia marginata, which reaches heigths of up to 5 meter is also available with yellow flower bracts. The pendent inflorescences with up to 15 spirally arranged bracts are sprouting small yellow flowers (see 2. picture below). Heliconia marginata requires a humid soil and full sun or a slightly shade place and is blooming all around the year in tropical countries.

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Image: Heliconia marginata

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Heliconia marginata flowers