Bird-of-Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is a flowering plant indigenous to South Africa. Common names include also Strelitzia and Crane Flower. It was introduced to European gardeners in 1773 when it was part of a shipment of horticultural specimens bound for the Royal Botanical Garden of King George III. Strelitzia reginae was named after the king's wife Queen (reginea in Latin) Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (Strelitzia). The uniquely shaped flower of this exotic tropical perennial resembles a bird's head, and due to it's brilliant orange and blue colors and unique form, it resembles a bird-of-paradise! The photo was taken on April 1st 2008, at the Ramat Hanadiv Memorial Gardens, Israel.