In arranging Bird of Paradise flowers, an effective way is to place them with all the “heads” turned in one direction, which gives the suggestion of a flock of birds in flight. ([Plate XV])
GOLDEN HELICONIA
Heliconia latispatha Bentham
Other relatives of the Banana are the Heliconias of which there are a number growing in Hawaii. The plant is made up of a clump of tall, paddle-shaped leaves, often ten feet high. The flowers of most species grow below the leaves, but the Golden Heliconia flower pushes above them.
The inflorescence consists of a series of narrow, pointed keels, a deep golden yellow in color. The real flowers are inside these sheaths, inconspicuous and hardly noticeable.
This plant is a native of tropical America. ([Plate XV])
LOBSTER CLAW
Heliconia humilis Jacquin
Generally similar to the Golden Heliconia, the keels of the Lobster Claw are much thicker and closer together, and arranged on opposite sides of the stem, in one plane. They are the brilliant red of a boiled lobster and the general form of the keel suggests the claws of the creature. The inconspicuous flowers are inside. As the keels hold rain water, the flowers often start to decay while the sheaths are still bright and fresh, giving a sour, disagreeable smell to the stalk, until it has been thoroughly washed. This done, they last a long time as decorations. The plant is a clump of tall leaves. It is a native of tropical America. ([Plate XV])
There are a number of other Heliconias, one of the most commonly seen having sheaths that are pinkish, edged with yellow and green. This is Heliconia elongata.
ANTHURIUM. FLAMINGO FLOWER
Anthurium andraeanum Linden
Among the most popular of Hawaii’s exotic flowers are the Anthuriums, for the very good reason that they will last as long as three weeks if they are cut in their prime. They are, besides, large and exquisitely waxen, ranging in color from pure white, through all shades of pink to deep, rich red. They belong to the Arum family, of which the Calla lily is also a member, and the Anthurium blossom is similar in general form to the Calla. That is, it possesses a large, heart-shaped bract, called the spathe, which is thick and waxen, almost artificial in appearance. From this spathe rises a column, called the spadix, which may be white, pinkish or yellow in color. Packed tightly together on this column are the true flowers, usually so small they are hardly noticeable. When fertilized they may develop small berries with seeds, which grow readily.