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Heliconia metallica Planch. & Linden ex Hook.
| Family Name: | Heliconiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Heliconia nana G. Rodr., Heliconia nitens hort., Heliconia osaensis Stiles. var. rubescens, Heliconia vinosa W. Bull ex Ender |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Panama and Colombia, possibly elsewhere in South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb to 3m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves dark green above, maroon below. Mid rib white to pale greenish white. |
| Flowers | Infloresence bracts green, flowers dark pinkish red |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Fruits, Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Associated with: Aethopyga siparaja (Raffles, 1822), Nectarinia jugularis Lesson, 1827) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Waxy, Thick / Fleshy |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Blue |
|---|---|
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Brown |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30966 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5352 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
