Strelizia

Strelizia (ストレリチア) is a custom-made FRANXX mecha. Its Pistil is always Zero Two. There had been many people who volunteered to be Strelizia's Stamen, but none survived in the long term. Known notable Stamens include Code:081, who was killed due to Zero Two's dangerous piloting; Mitsuru, who was too eager to prove himself and was traumatized after just one sortie in Strelizia and Hiro, who was the only one to survive more than three sorties in Strelizia. Thanks to this feat, Hiro was declared Strelizia's official Stamen.

Appearance
Strelizia is a large robot with a body colored white, orange, and red. It has large shoulder pads, with feet styled like red heels. It has a pair of long orange-gold strands resembling hair on the sides of its face, with orange eyes. On Strelizia's forehead, there is a long, pointed gray-blue antenna. Strelizia wields a white, red, and orange lance called "Queen Pike", which is the tail during Stampede Mode.

In Episode 15, Zero Two piloted Strelizia herself, resulting in a constant Stampede Mode. Afterwards, Strelizia's color scheme changed to primarily red after Hiro reunites with Zero Two. In Episode 16, it is shown that the FRANXX was back to its normal color scheme, making the red-colored form of Strelizia a temporary power-up.

In Episode 20, when 001 takes control of Strelizia and pilots with Hiro, Strelizia's color scheme changes to match the Klaxosaurs. Its colours shift to black and blue, with black sclerae and dark blue irises, although Strelizia's spear retains its original color.

In Episode 21, when Zero Two reunites with Hiro in a VIRM-infected Strelizia, the FRANXX transforms into the Strelizia Apus. The Strelizia Apus is larger than other FRANXX. It does not have a face that expresses its pistil's emotion, and its helm is larger. It possesses four legs, and has wing-like structures on its lower back.

In Episode 23, Zero Two merges with the FRANXX and transforms into Strelizia's True Apus form. Its faceplate is replaced by Zero Two's face, and its torso by Zero Two's, and its legs are changed into a semblance of a dress. There is a veil-like sheet of light behind Apus' helm.

In Episode 24, Strelizia self-destructs and reverts into its original Strelizia form, except coloured solid gold.

History
Zero Two piloted Strelizia with Code 081 in order to defeat a Klaxosaur, but was overwhelmed and Code 081 was killed during the battle in Episode 01. It crashed close to Hiro. Hiro was surprised to see Zero Two in the cockpit but decides to ride with her anyway, feeling that his life has little worth if he can't pilot a FRANXX. They were able to successfully reactivate Strelizia and defeat the Klaxosaur.

Dr. FRANXX says that when the negative and positive - male and female factors combine and their hearts become one, the Iron Maiden will reveal her true form. After the battle, Zero Two emerges, holding an unconscious Hiro with a smile on her face. In Episode 03, Delphinium, Argentea and Genista were sortied on a Klaxosaur hunt but the mission quickly goes awry and all of them were pinned down. Nana and Hachi then agreed to send Strelizia to relieve them. Hiro volunteered to pilot her but Hachi stopped him as he was not an official Parasite. Mitsuru offered his help, eager to prove that he's superior to Hiro, much to Zero Two's chagrin. She asked Hiro to pilot with her but he refused, with much grief still left in his heart. Zero Two, reluctantly accepts. After successful synchronization, Strelizia arrives in Level 8 and managed to rescue the other FRANXXs but Zero Two, not willing to return just yet, decides to test Mitsuru to his limits. Mitsuru survived, but was heavily traumatized and Plantation 13 had to send a unit to recover Strelizia. Zero Two then declares that only Hiro can be her partner.

Strelizia was to be sent to the front lines along with its Pistil in Episode 04 but the decision was cancelled after Hiro "said such embarrassing things" to Zero Two that she couldn't bother to leave. They then danced together through the halls and blew up the Hangar where Strelizia was kept. She then set off to join the rest of Squad 13 on their mission.

In Episode 15, Zero Two piloted Strelizia herself, resulting in constant Stampede mode. Afterwards, Strelizia color scheme was changed to red after Hiro reunited with Zero Two.

In Episode 20, Hiro was kidnapped along with Strelizia by 001 and left Zero Two bleeding. Strelizia's creation was revealed to be made by the same creatures that they killed, klaxosaurs. The Klaxosaur Princess then connected herself with Hiro and Strelizia's colour scheme changed to colours black and dark blue, and attempted to connect with Star Entity, but was rigged to explode by VIRM.

In Episode 21, Zero Two and Hiro were able to reconnect and pilot Strelizia, and force VIRM retreat. However, Zero Two was left in a catatonic state. Strelizia leaves Earth with the klaxosaurs to continue fighting VIRM in Mars’ orbit.

In Episode 22, it is revealed Zero Two’s mind is linked with Strelizia and she is fighting the VIRM alone in space. As a result, whatever damage Strelizia takes is inflicted on Zero Two’s body.

In Episode 23, Hiro sees that Strelizia isn’t moving and Alpha surmises it isn’t functional without a stamen. Hiro boards Strelizia and attempts to pilot while making contact with Zero Two’s consciousness. When they reconnect, Zero Two fully merges with Strelizia and it transforms into a physical form of Zero Two called Strelizia True Apus. Strelizia eliminates the VIRM armada and again forces the rest of the fleet to retreat. She and Hiro then depart into a warp gate.

In Episode 24, after a two year galactic battle with VIRM, Strelizia reaches the VIRM home planet. Hiro and Zero two are almost defeated when their connection is severed and Hringhorni is used to impale Strelizia. However, after hearing the voices of their friends from Earth, they reconnect and Strelizia reverts to a golden version of Strelizia’s Iron Maiden form. Strelizia detonates the bomb and is destroyed, causing the deaths of Hiro and Zero Two.

Trivia

 * Strelizia is known for being the only FRANXX unit that has had the same pistil and many different stamen.
 * Strelizia is also known for being Dr. FRANXX’s favorite and most significant unit to be built, as he designed it specifically to be equipped for Zero Two’s capabilities.
 * Strelizia is the only FRANXX unit that has undergone several evolutions.
 * Strelizia in reference to the flower Bird of Paradise.
 * The Bird of Paradise flower has several meanings that include faithfulness, love, and thoughtfulness.
 * The flower symbolizes freedom, joy, and paradise. It also represents a good perspective of life.

Gallery
Strelizia Strelizia Стрелиция