The bird-of-paradise flower grows from rhizomes (underground stems) to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres (about 3 to 5 feet). The flower is placed perpendicular to the stem, which gives it the appearance of a bird's head and beak. The flower consist of three brilliant orange sepals and three purplish-blue or white petals. Two of the blue or white petals are joined together to form an arrow-like nectary. One main flower bract, shaped like a boat, is green with red borders.