The golden heliconia
Platanillos, riqui-riquis or heliconias, belong to the family of the Musaceae, the same to which the species with edible fruits called bananas or plantains belong. The platanillos conform a botanical Genus with high ornamental value. The Golden Heliconia -in the picture – shows its beauty. Leandro Aristeguieta a well-known Venezuelan Botanist, reported around twenty species for the country and estimates that, when the forests of Amazons and Bolivar are studied in more detail, the diversity will end up reaching around thirty species. The bracts, or modified leaf that harbor the flowers, shows a variety of shapes, sizes and colors among the species that conform the genus. Half of the Venezuelan species possess hanging inflorescences. The other half has erect flower pods like that of the Golden Heliconia. Some species, like Heliconia mariae, can grow up to six meters tall. They grow in tropical and subtropical jungles, in all Venezuela. The species with erect inflorescences, store water within the bracts, conforming small fishbowls in which the larvae of insects and frogs of the forest develop. Previous | Next Related linksOther destinations in Flora: |
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