Plant Botanical Name:
Heliconia angusta
USBG Plant Location:
Conservatory
Plant Threat Level:
Vulnerable
Heliconia angusta, known as Christmas heliconia, due to the red and white flowers that usually emerge during the holiday season. Native to southeastern Brazil, this Heliconia is classified as vulnerable by IUCN because its natural habitats have been converted to agricultural purposes. However, the genetic diversity has been preserved through ex situ conservation. The popularity of Heliconia angusta as a tropical garden plant and horticultural specimen has encouraged widespread propagation of this species, so that it is now readily available.