Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a flowering ornamental plant indigenous to South Africa and is closely related to the banana. Common names include strelitzia, crane flower or bird of paradise. The unique flower resembles a brightly colored bird in flight. Though native to South Africa, the species is naturalized in Mexico, Belize, Bangladesh, Madeira Islands and Juan Fernández Islands off the coast of Chile. It was first cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1773, when it was introduced to Europe. Since then, it has become a popular worldwide ornamental, growing well in any area that is sunny and warm. In the United States, Florida and California are the main areas of cultivation, due to their warm climate. One of the most popular flowering plants in Florida, the Bird of Paradise requires little care and produces spectacular flowers. “Wings of Color” is a digital painting.