This rhizomatous perennial forms a clump with large upright banana-like bright green leaves that have short fleshy stems. The large upright spike has several horizontal bright pink bracts that contain green tube-shaped flowers that appear during spring.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Heliconia aemygdianais naturally found in South America from Bolivia to Brazil, Colombia and Peru growing in the rainforest understorey and commonly appearing along water courses.

It prefers a organic rich well drained moist soil that is tending acidic in a slightly shaded to sunny, wind protected position and is drought and frost tender.

Lobster Claw is grown for its colourful flowers and its lush bright green foliage. It is planted in tropical gardens along semi-shaded borders or on creek embankments and gullies for a jungle effect. It is also grown in bright conservatories in cool climates as a specimen. It establishes in 2 to 3 years from division and is suitable for coastal or mountainous regions with high humidity. ID 2940

Heliconia(hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh) aemygdiana (A-ee-mi-GA-dee-ana)

Heliconiaceae (HEL-ee-Kon-ee-AY-see-ee)