Heliconia lingulata

Heliconia lingulata is one the erect flower type. It has very good features namely bright colours, varied bracts, and very distinguish.Potentially used as landscape heliconias and even could become potted plants if its growth be reduced.

Performances of selected heliconias grown under shaded and non-shaded conditions.

Abstract
A study was conducted on five heliconia varieties namely; H.chartacea (Tempress), H. rauliana, H. rostata; H. mariae and H.chartacea (Sexy Pink) grown under in shade and open field (full sunlight). The aim of the experiment was to investigate vegetative and reproductive performances under both conditions. Plants were planted in 50% shade level and non-shade conditions arranged randomly in three replicates.
Results showed the five varieties responded significantly to shade and non-shade treatments. Plants planted under 50% shade were 13.1% higher than that of planted in the open-field. Whilst stem number, flower number and flower percentage were lower by 26.8 %, 67.0.0% and 31.0% when compared to 50% shade and open field treatment, respectively. In terms vegetative growth such as plant height, H.chartacea (Tempress) and H.chartacea (Sexy scarlet) were the highest at 180.9 cm and 86.3 cm, respectively. The most vigorous variety which had highest stem number and flower number is H.rauliana at 116.2 and 26.2, respectively. Both H.rauliana and H.rostata had the highest percentage of flower. A linear relationship between stem number and flower number ( y=25.55+3.1x) (r2=0.84) was observed.
It could be concluded that under shading plant height increase however stem number, flower number and flower percentage reduced. There is strong relationship between stem number and flower number but not plant height and stem number. It demonstrates heliconias are basically sun loving plants, planting these varieties in the open places would result in good flower performances. It was also found that stem number is very important criterion to provide more number of flowers irrespective of vareities.

POTENTIAL HELICONIAS FOR LANDSCAPING

Heliconias are remarkable tropical plants with great stems, leaves and beautiful flowers. They are native to Central America, the Carribean, South America and some islands of the Pacific. There are 500 species and varieties or cultivars worldwide however, 150 species can be found in South East Asia and the Polynesians.

The presence of heliconias in landscaping area makes the scenery more colourful, scenic and enchanting. The unique erect or pendulous distichous to spiral inflorescences adds up more flower diversity and distribution in the vicinity. It lends the landscape, an air of peace and tranquility whatever flower fashion it may have and possesses a fascination that makes magnetic attraction for everyone.

Among the twenty varieties screened, cultural practices pertaining to heliconia growing such as fertilization, shade level requirements, pest and diseases incidence, five promising varieties had potentials based on their planting requirements.

The above pic is my poster .