Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the Giant White Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana are banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m. The 1.8 m long leaves are grey-green and arranged like a fan at the top of the stems, similar to Ravenala madagascariensis. The inflorescence is composed of a dark blue bract, white sepals and a bluish-purple "tongue". The entire flower can be as much as 18 cm high by 45 cm long and is typically held just above the point where the leaf fan emerges from the stem. Flowers are followed by triangular seed capsules.
The plant prefers rich, moist soils with good drainage in full sun to part shade. The plant tolerates light frost.
Propagation is via division of clumps, offsets and from seed but note that plants require many years of growth before they begin blooming. In favourable conditions they self-seed freely, and their invasive root systems are best kept away from buildings.
Picture a crown of banana-like leaves atop a palm tree trunk, combine with huge, uniquely beautiful flowers, and then what you have is the exotically named bird of paradise tree. Related to the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae), this close cousin is a much larger plant forming huge clumps of stems to 30 feet in comparison to S. regina's 3 to 4 feet height.
All members of the family Strelitziaceae are native to sub-tropical South Africa. The bird of paradise tree is becoming very popular both as a subject for use in near frost-free landscapes and as a subject for interiorscapes. Plant in sheltered spot as high winds will shred leaves resulting in scruffy looking plants.

This is an easy to grow, very non-messy, low maintenance plant that is a good choice for use near pool and patio. Plants are inexpensive, available in a range of sizes, and grow rather quickly and so are a great choice for new home landscapes in warm areas. Bird of paradise tree is just the ticket when you want tough, durable beauty and unique form in a large plant.