Expanded Lobsterclaw
Heliconia latispatha
- Native to:
- Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Venezuela
Justin Lebar
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Heliconiaceae
- Genus:
- Heliconia
- Species:
- Heliconia latispatha
- USDA Symbol:
- HELA12
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers organic matter-rich environments