Giant Bird-of-paradise Flower

Also known as Wild Banana, Giant White Bird of Paradise, Natal Wild Banana, White Bird of Paradise

Giant bird-of-paradise flowers dominate subtropical coastlines with towering, woody pseudostems that fan out into enormous banana-like leaves. Unlike their smaller orange relatives, their striking crane-like floral bracts are charcoal-toned, sheltering pure white sepals and pale blue petals dripping with abundant nectar. Vervet monkeys and sunbirds regularly visit the rigid inflorescences to drink the nectar, inadvertently pollinating the flowers as they clamber across the sturdy spathes.