Kahili Ginger, flower © Paula Côrte-Real

Kahili Ginger

Hedychium gardnerianum

Family and description

Member of the Zingiberaceae family, the Kahili ginger is a herbaceous plant that grows to a height of between 2 to 4 metres.

It has large rhizomes, stems, and bold bright green leaves that are alternate, oblong to lanceolate and up to 60 cm long.

Its hermaphrodite flowers are fragrant, tubular and pale yellow, with long red stamens grouped in terminal inflorescences and held in dense spikes. It blooms in late summer.

The fruit is a globular capsule, up to 1.5 cm long and reddish-orange inside, where numerous small reddish seeds are formed.

Origin and habitat

Originating in the Himalayas, the Kahili ginger is considered an invasive species in New Zealand, Hawaii and the Azores, where it has become an increasing threat to native vegetation.

It can live in several types of soils, from sandy to clay, dry or humid, and develops very well in areas with plenty sunlight although it also tolerates partial shade.

It is a warm weather plant but is also found in temperate regions that occasionally have light frosts.

Uses e curiosities

The Kahili is often used for ornamental purposes in parks and gardens, especially in places with high levels of humidity. It is a low maintenance plant and no pruning is required.

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