Migrant in Moscow

By Migrant

Bird of Paradise

A different kind of 'bird' today - Strelitzia reginae, the Bird of Paradise flower. A native of South Africa.

The flower was first introduced into Britain in 1773 by Sir Joseph Banks, then the unofficial director of the Royal Gardens at Kew. He named the plant 'Strelitzia' in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III and Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who lived at Kew for many years.

There is also Strelitzia nicolai, which has 'striking blue and white flowers' and is named after the Russian Tsar, Nicholas I. It's not entirely clear why so named. I found this blog which suggests that the link comes from Nicholas' wife Charlotte's relationship (great aunt ..?) to the aforementioned Queen Charlotte.

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