bird-of-paradise -tree
Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Körn.
The tree-sized bird-of-paradise forms dense clumps of tall stems crowned with enormous leaves. Old leaf scars mark its smooth gray trunks. Long, stout leaf stalks support shiny gray-green blades that can reach two metres; wind tears them into broad, featherlike strips. SANBI PlantZAfrica: Strelitzia nicolai
Botanical name
Strelitzia nicolai Regel & Körn. is an accepted species in Strelitziaceae, matching the database name. Kew Plants of the World Online: Strelitzia nicolai
Recognizing the plant
Mature plants can reach twelve metres high. The large flowering structure contains several boat-shaped, purplish-blue sheaths, from which white sepals and blue petals emerge. Black seeds carry a bright orange, woolly aril, a conspicuous appendage attached to the seed. SANBI PlantZAfrica: Strelitzia nicolai
Seasonal development
South Africa
In South Africa it can flower throughout the year, with a spring–summer peak. Seeds are produced mainly from March to July, in autumn and winter. SANBI PlantZAfrica: Strelitzia nicolai
Native range
Kew places its native range from eastern Zimbabwe to KwaZulu-Natal, with eastern Botswana also included. Mozambique forms part of that range. The plant grows primarily in subtropical environments. Kew Plants of the World Online: Strelitzia nicolai
Ecological relationships
Olive and grey sunbirds visit the flowers for nectar. SANBI PlantZAfrica: Strelitzia nicolai
Vervet and samango monkeys eat the orange seed arils. SANBI PlantZAfrica: Strelitzia nicolai
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.