Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

27/06/2012

Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum. 1904, commonly called Red Ginger, Red Ginger Lily or Ostrich Plume is a tropical, rhizomatous plant, belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).


Red ginger is native to the Malay Peninsula, but nowadays cultivated in many tropical and subtropical countries around the world for its stunning, bright red flower bracts, which are widely used as “cut flowers” for exotic flower arrangements and floral decorations. The real flowers are small and white and appear on top of the long-lasting flower bracts. Alpinia purpurata requires a hot and humid climate and is best cultivated in full sun to partial shade. In tropical environments the evergreen ginger plant, which reaches heights of about 2 meters blooms all around the year. Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is a mere ornamental plant, the rhizomes are unedible and shouldn`t be confused with real ginger (Zingiber officinale).




Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata)

{ 0 comments… add one now }

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: