Heliconia schiedeana aka Heliconia Schiedeana

Heliconia schiedeana is part of the Heliconiaceae family. Kew lists Mexico as its native home. Useful Tropical Plants puts its range in southern Mexico. It comes from a wet tropical climate. The RHS calls it false bird of paradise and wild plantain. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. These names refer to this species, not its plant family.

This evergreen plant lives for years and looks like a banana plant. It grows from rhizomes, or stems that grow below ground. Its large leaves stay on the plant through the year. The reported height range is about 5–10 feet [1.5–3 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives a separate height of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. That account gives no full-grown width or rate of growth. The species details say the leaves are large. They give no further facts about leaf shape.

Grow this plant in part shade, with moist, rich soil. The soil should contain plenty of humus. Its native climate is humid, rather than dry. Useful Tropical Plants also says people grow it in humid subtropical areas. It can grow in warm temperate areas too. This does not set a frost limit or hardiness zone. The sources give no soil pH range. They give no schedule for watering or advice for dry conditions.

People use the broad leaves where the plant grows. They gather them from wild plants for roof thatch. They also use them to wrap goods and as packing material. These uses rely on the leaves, not on food value. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known uses for food or medicine. It also lists no known hazards. That does not prove safety for people or pets. The supplied evidence includes no specific study of toxic effects.

Grow new plants from seed or by dividing offsets. The accounts do not say when to divide plants. They give no bloom season for this species. They also give no flower colour or fruit details. The RHS gives a wider account of the genus. It cannot establish this species’ flower form or colour. Neither account names pests or diseases for this plant. The sources describe its large evergreen leaves and banana-like form as garden traits. Its stated needs are moist, rich soil and part shade.