Bird of Paradise

Scientific name: Strelitzia reginae

Date collected: March 29, 2008

Location collected: in a planter near the California Science Center

Habitat: It is a common garden plant in gardens across Southern California. It grows best in partial shade and organic soils with good drainage.

Nativity: S. reginae is not native to California, it is actually native to South Africa.

Special notes: Even though the Bird of Paradise is not a native to Los Angeles, it is the official flower of the city.

Resources:

• Plants of Africa: Strelitzia reginae
• University of Florida

Desert Fan Palm

Scientific name: Washingtonia filifera

Date collected: April 1st, 2011

Location collected: Descanso Gardens in the California Garden

Habitat: Found in arid regions growing in groves near streams, seeps, and springs.

Nativity: W. filifera is the only palm native to the Western United States, including California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Special Notes: The Desert Fan Palm provides an important habitat for orioles, woodpeckers and yellow bats. The palm oasis are also important to bighorn sheep and coyotes because they provide a consistent supply of water.

Resources:

• Fan Palm Oasis
• Calflora: Wildflowers and other plants of Southern California
• USDA: Natural Resource Conservation Service