Strelitzia reginae, commonly known as the crane flower or bird of paradise, is a species of flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. An evergreen perennial, it is widely cultivated for its dramatic flowers. In temperate areas it is a popular houseplant.
Joseph Banks described the species in 1788. The specific epithet reginae means ?of the queen?, and commemorates the British queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of George III.Common names such as ?crane flower? and ?bird of paradise? reference the open flower?s resemblance to the head and beak of a colourful exotic bird.