Exotic and bold, with a distinctive head on a long thin neck. To me, a clump (flock?) of birds of paradise plants are a sure sign of balmy climes. They quickly turn tatty and straggly, but in their prime these unusual flowers are head-turners. Their common name ‘bird of paradise’ apparently relates to the flowers’ resemblance to the bird of that name, but personally I don’t see it! Also known as strelitzia, the plants are native to South Africa where they are commonly referred to as crane flowers.
Flowers by Kaz 
It is also known as the Crane flower and actually does look very much like a crowned crane. Not so much like the bird of paradise I agree. I have an old photo somewhere of a bird which resembles this flower. It is a beautiful flower and I love your photos.
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Thank you Jude. It’s nice to know that someone is looking at my flower blog. The poor thing is quite lonely.
Actually, I did say in the text of the post that “the plants are native to South Africa where they are commonly referred to as crane flowers.” I thought you’d notice that. 😉 I shall Google ‘crowned crane’ and see what comes up.
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I did notice it after I’d written the comment, but it was very late and I was very tired so I just pressed send. I shall have to look out my photo of the bird.
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I did Google them, and I can certainly see the resemblance! What a cool bird. 🙂 I’d love to see one.
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