Caracterização de helicônias para o paisagismo

Abstract

Recently the use of heliconia as cut flowers, stimulated the interest of the use of new species in landscaping. Those plants offer beauty and exoticism to the garden and follows the tendency of landscape projects with native plants. The Heliconia genus, Heliconiaceae family, have plants with exotic inflorescences in vibrant colors that range for yellow, orange, red, and pink that are characterizes as tropical gardens plants. There are around 182 species of Heliconia, nevertheless, due to the lack of knowledge on the individual characteristics of the species from this genus, only a few are used as ornamental plants by landscape professionals. This work was carried out to evaluate ornamental characteristics of genotypes from Heliconia, grown in full sun in the period January to December 2008, as well as involve them in landscape applications. The experiment was conducted at Heliconias Germoplasm Collection of Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), through analysis for the qualitative and quantitative characteristics related to clump and inflorescences aspect of this genotypes. Except for cv. Red Opal, H. psittacorum cultivars and its interspecific hybrids were considered to be short plants (less than 1.51 meters height) and adequate as a massive flower bed that would not interfere on the views and may be used to complement design lines, generating ambiences and ordering the garden spaces. The genotypes H. collinsiana, H. rostrata and H. foreroi showed inflorescences which last longer than 78 days in good conditions in the clump, which is an remarkable aspect in the landscape. H. bihai inflorescences was difficult to visualize, its bracts accumulate water, attract insects and have odor. An experiment conduct from January 2007 to July 2008 permitted evaluated Heliconia x nickeriensis to ornamental characteristics and management for garden use. It’s described as short height plant, with quick development, dispersed type of clump architecture and open growth habit. The clump area reached 5.14 m2 at 18 months after planting (MAP), demonstrading the necessity of a large space for development . The shoots emission in the internal part of the clump permitted a complete soil coverage. The dark green leaves contrast with the yellow-orange inflorescence which are easily visualized above its foliage. The flowering period started at 9 MAP, reaching an emission of more than 17 inflorescences per clumb at 17 MAP. The inflorescences kept the quality for more than 25 days after its emittion in the clump. This genotype represents a good option to be used either isolated, for covering large open areas, or grouped with other ornamental plants to create compositions with different colors, forms and textures. This heliconias have particularities that confer acceptation and adequacy to landscape design, allowing the landscape professionals to diversify plant specifications.