This rhizomatous perennial forms a clump with upright foliage that form pseudostems. It has large banana-like dark green leaves and the tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during late spring but are not normally seen. 

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Heliconia indica is naturally found from New Guinea to the South Pacific Islands growing in the rainforest understorey and commonly along water courses in organic rich well drained moist soils that are tending acidic. It prefers a slightly shaded to full sun, wind protected position and is drought and frost tender. 

This perennial is grown for its foliage and clumping habit. It is used in parks and large gardens along borders or on creek embankments and in gully plantings. It is suitable for coastal or mountainous regions establishing in 2 to 3 years and planted for a tropical effect. In cold climates the plant is grown in a bright conservatoire or glasshouse as a specimen. The cultivars are the commonly used plants. ID 2977

Heliconia (hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh) indica (IN-de-ka)

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