Heliconia rostrata, commonly known as Hanging Lobster Claw or False Bird of Paradise, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the understory of tropical rainforests in particularly in west South America, but including El Salvador, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica in Central America. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters) with a similar spread. The plant is notable for its striking, pendulous inflorescences, which are composed of bright red and yellow bracts with small true flowers peeking out, blooming primarily in the summer. These flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, which are the main pollinators.

Hanging Lobster Claw is valued for its unique and showy flowers, making it a popular choice for tropical-themed gardens and as a specimen plant in conservatories. It thrives in warm, humid conditions, requiring consistently moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. While it can be grown in pots, it is often used in landscape plantings where space allows. Due to its potential invasiveness, caution should be taken when planting it outside its native range. It is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require protection from strong winds due to its large leaves.CC BY-SA 4.0