Native to Bolivia and adjoining region, Erect Lobster Claw is a shrub which grows in clumps to 6 ft with a spread of 5 ft. It has 6 ft long banana-like leaves. Unlike other Heliconias which have hanging flowers, this one has erect inflorescence. Each inflorescence has red or orange bracts edged with green. It blooms all year and can be planted in full sun to semi-shade. Propagation is by clump division, or rhizome.