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The visual appeal of heliconias is undeniable. Their bright hues deep reds, warm yellows, fiery oranges, and soft pinks are a natural strategy to attract humming birds, their main pollinators. These birds, known for their agile flight and inexhaustible energy, are irresistibly drawn to heliconia flowers, whose elongated, nectar-rich shape is designed to facilitate this interaction.

When hummingbirds feed, they carry pollen from one plant to another, allowing heliconias to reproduce and maintain their presence in the ecosystem. This bond between plant and bird is a perfect example of the interdependence that characterizes tropical habitats.

Of all the hummingbird species recorded in Peru, 15 species have been observed and photographed visiting various species of Heliconias.

Beyond their relationship with hummingbirds, heliconias play an important role as a natural refuge. Their large leaves and flowers create microhabitats that house frogs, insects, and small reptiles, providing them with a safe place where they can hide from predators or adverse conditions. This ability to host life makes them a key piece within the complex network of biodiversity.

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