Medicinal Plants

Strelitzia reginae Banks

Bunga Burung Surga

Strelitziaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Strelitzia reginae (Bunga Burung Surga) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Strelitzia reginae (Bunga Burung Surga) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Strelitzia reginae (Bunga Burung Surga)

Summary

Bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) is a clumping herb about 1.2 meters tall from the Strelitziaceae family native to South Africa, now the official flower of the City of Los Angeles since 1952. Its unique bird-like shape makes it a popular ornamental and cut flower worldwide. The Zulu people of South Africa traditionally use the bird of paradise flower to relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Agroecology

Strelitzia reginae can usually be found growing along riverbanks and shrubland clearings in coastal areas, at elevations of 5-2,000 m asl. Grows well in areas with mean annual rainfall conditions in the range of 1,500-2,500 mm, suitable temperature between 12-34°C. Prefers fertile, loose, well-drained soil, in a position either in partial shade or sunny/full sun. The plant's water requirement is in the moderate range.

Morphology

  • Roots fleshy and finger-like, about 25 mm in diameter.
  • Stem long, with broad oblong blades, arising from an underground stem (rhizome).
  • Leaves large, up to about 70 cm long and about 30 cm wide, petiole up to 1 m long, arranged in two rows in a fan-shaped crown. Grayish green, veins pinnate, base acuminate, apex cuneate, margins entire, leaf surface smooth and flat.
  • Flowers stand above the foliage at the tip of a long stalk. Emerge sequentially from a horizontal green and pink boat-shaped bract (leaf-like structure), the flower looks like a crest on a bird's head. The flower consists of three orange outer sepals (spathe) and three inner blue petals, two of the inner blue petals joining together to resemble an arrowhead shape. The stamens have long thin filaments surrounded by the arrowhead structure with a whitish anther emerging from the top of the arrowhead.
  • Fruit a rough capsule containing many small seeds.
  • Seeds numerous, black with a bright orange aril.

Cultivation

  • Propagation is generative using seed, but this plant rarely produces seed.
  • The difficulty of Strelitzia reginae producing seed means this plant is widely propagated by clump division or offshoot separation.

Chemical Content

Four phenalenone-type compounds, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, proanthocyanidin polymers (flavonoids), carotenoids, and anthocyanin-3-rutinoside.

Benefits

Treats urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, inflamed glands.

Local Names

Bunga bangau, Bunga burung cendrawasih.

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Treats sexually transmitted diseases from Bunga Burung Surga

1. Treats sexually transmitted diseases

  • Take an adequate amount of bird of paradise flower root and wash until clean.
  • Grind the root then boil until it boils.
  • Let it cool to warm/cold.
  • Strain then drink to treat sexually transmitted diseases.

Reference Sources

  1. Royal Botanic Gardens. Plants of the World Online: Strelitzia reginae Banks. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:798194-1. 01-03-2022.
  2. Stuartxchange. 2020. Philippine Medicinal Plants: Bird of paradise. http://stuartxchange.com/BirdOfParadise.
  3. Flora Fauna Web. 2022. Strelitzia reginae. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/4/2478. 01-03-2022.
  4. Planter and Forester. 2019. Strelitzia reginae, The Crane Flower, Orange Bird Of paradise. https://www.planterandforester.com/2021/05/strelitzia-reginae-crane-flower-orange.html. 01-03-2022.