Description
Strelitzia juncea (Strelitziaceae) Crane flower (e). A perennial herb, producing thick fleshy roots and upright needle-like leaves. Although the leaves are very different, flowers resemble those of the more commonly cultivated Strelitzia reginae. Sowing: Remove orange fibre from the seed and sow in seed trays filled with a well-drained soil medium at a depth of 1 to 1½ times the size of the seed. A constant temperature of 25°C is most suitable for germination, as low temperatures retard germination. Seedlings should be a good size before being transplanted (two to three leaves) into a well-drained potting medium. In our nursery we have found that the young plants are best grown in semi-shade, as the leaves tend to burn in direct sunlight. Regular repotting allows the young plant to develop rapidly. Restricting the root development retards growth. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: November 2022
