Heliconia latispatha, commonly known as Expanded Lobsterclaw, is an herbaceous perennial native to the understory of humid lowland forests and along riverbanks in southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. It has also become naturalized in parts of Florida and Jamaica. This plant can reach up to 13 feet in height and is characterized by its large, banana-like leaves that create a lush, tropical appearance. The striking erect inflorescence, which can be up to 18 inches long, features showy red or orange bracts with green, yellow, or orange flowers that bloom throughout the year in its native range, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Expanded Lobsterclaw is valued for its exotic and vibrant flowers, which make it a popular choice for tropical gardens, conservatories, and as a cut flower in floral arrangements. It prefers a warm, humid environment and requires consistently moist soil, rich in organic matter, with good drainage. It thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. While generally easy to maintain in suitable climates, it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot if overwatered. In regions where it is not hardy, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during colder months.CC BY-SA 4.0