"Bird of Paradise" by Paul McGehee. From the verdant palette of the rain forest erupts a dramatic splash of color, like tropical fireworks...the flower known as the Bird of Paradise! This gorgeous perennial, named Strelitzia, is originally from South Africa but has been introduced into other warm climes around the world such as the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Strelitzia is named after the German duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, birthplace of Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom. It is popularly referred to as the "Bird of Paradise" because its flower reminds one of the wild plumage of its namesake African bird. In South Africa it is also called the Crane Flower, which has honored it by its depiction on the reverse of their 50 cent coin. In the United States, the Bird of Paradise was chosen as the official flower of the city of Los Angeles, California. It is truly one of the world's most beautiful and unique flowers. "Bird of Paradise" is faithfully reproduced as an archival-quality print from McGehee's original color pencil drawing, issued in a limited edition of only 500 pieces, each hand-signed by the artist. Print image size: 10 1/2" x 14".