These are Heliconia species, spikes are erect, brilliantly colored, the form always associated to an animal form.
There are also H. species which have different inflorescence habits. Because of the length of their spikes, this Heliconia species tend to droop (another drooping Heliconia is the sexy pink shown in Autumn Belle's older post). The longer and bigger the droop, the prettier will be the show. They are beautiful in whatever size, purpose and arrangement you would like them to be. This is Heliconia rostrata.
it is like a crab claw when still young
newly formed inflorescence against their natural green stems and leaves
strongly shaded lanky plants producing short inflorescence against a rock wall
as hedge to cover a wall of interlinked wire fence
with other free growing species in an otherwise untended green patch
...and as a central flower arrangement highlighting an important pedestal
Whatever form, use, purpose, state of plant quality, and arrangements; Heliconia rostrata will always be standing out, even in its drooping form.
This is posted in Todays Flowers
For beautiful photos please visit Autumn Belle's My Nice Garden.
To see a lot of Heliconia species and cultivars (about 44)
with photos, and a thorough discussion on propagation,
growth and care requirements, please visit: http://www.heliconiasocietypr.org/heliconia_cultivars1.htm
I just posted it hurriedly as a heliconia because it was next to the heliconia files. My apologies for my carelessness and insensitivity,and my gratitude for Rainforest Gardener for pointing it out.
