Heliconia

Description:

H. latispatha is characterized by having erect inflorescences with red, yellow, or orange bracts and a yellowish/greenish rachis (Stiles 1983). An additional identifying characteristic of H. latispatha is the large vertically oriented banana like leaves from a short central stem, also referred to as a musoid growth form (Berry and Kress 1991.)

Habitat:

H. latispatha is the most sun loving member of the Heliconia and is found in exposed areas, like forested stream edge, tree fall gaps, shady second growth and along road/trail sides (Stiles 1983).

Notes:

All Costa Rican Heliconia are pollinated by hummingbirds and H. latispatha drupaceous fruits are dispersed by birds and mammals (Stiles 1983).