Description trelitzia reginae is a monocotyledonous flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. Common names include Strelitzia, Crane Flower or Bird of Paradise, though these names are also collectively applied to other species in the genus Strelitzia. Its scientific name commemorates Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, queen consort of King George III.The plant grows to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, with large, strong leaves 2570 cm (9.828 in) long and 1030 cm (3.912 in) broad, produced on petioles up to 1 m (39 in) long. The leaves are evergreen and arranged in two ranks, making a fan-shaped crown. The flowers stand above the foliage at the tips of long stalks. The hard, beak-like sheath from which the flower emerges is termed the spathe. This is placed perpendicular to the stem, which gives it the appearance of a bird's head and beak; it makes a durable perch for holding the sunbirds which pollinate the flowers. The flowers, which emerge one at a time from the spathe, consist of three brilliant orange sepals and three purplish-blue petals. Two of the blue petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. When the sunbirds sit to drink the nectar, the petals open to cover their feet in pollen.
Miguel Leonardo Vargas Gutierrez, London Member Since August 2008 Artist Statement I AM A SPANISH PHOTOGRAPHER ARTIST, BORN IN GRANADA IN 1973, I MOVED OUT TO LIVE IN LONDON IN 1996. I STUDIED PHOTOGRAPHY IN LEWISHAM COLLEGE, LONDON. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS, SUGGESTIONS, ETC. THANK YOU!