Strelitzia Nicolai

Common names:  Natal wild banana;  White bird of paradise

SA Tree number: 34

This plant can grow up to 12 meters, with a spread of up to 4 meters.  It grows with multiple stems.  The stem is woody and smooth.  The leaves resemble banana leaves, however banana plants and this strelizea are not related.  

S. Nicolai is fairly drought tolerant.  It is frost sensitive, so plant in a protected area if you live inland.  It grows well with salty coastal winds, making a great feature plant in difficult coastal garden.  The roots are aggressive, so avoid planting next to structures and paths, but it grows well in containers  Choose a large container, next to buildings or pools.  

The flowers provide nectar, excellent to feed the local nectar eating birds.  Birds and blue duiker also feed on the flowers, with frogs finding protection under the plant, if planted near a water source.

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