Tropical

This is another tropical plant that's new to me and, as usual, I find it growing in a neighbour's garden. Heliconia originates in the rainforests of Central America. It is, I read, related to ginger, banana and strelitzia. 

It's named after Mt Helicon which, in Greek mythology, is associated with the muses (goddesses of arts and sciences). I quote: the muses were said to be eternally young and beautiful, thus the name “heliconia” refers to the flowers’ long-lasting and attractive qualities.