Red Ginger
Alpinia purpurata (Zingiberaceae)
Characteristics
| Pseudostems, usually about 3 m tall, composed of overlapping leaf-sheaths. Thick rhizoms. Alpinia is the largest genus in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) with about 230 species. |
Red Ginger can be grown in regions like South Florida since, in general, those regions do not fall below freezing temperatures.
Distribution
Native to Malaysia. Today, widespread as ornamental plant, e.g. in Hawaii, Fiji, Panama, Jamaica, Suriname and Belize.
Natural Medical Properties
The fruit is used to treat sores.
A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of stomach complaints
Did you know?
| Red ginger is the national flower of Samoa, locally called “teuila”. |
The red part of the plant is not the true flower but brightly colored bracts (leaves). The true flower is a small white flower on top.
Literature
World Flora Online
WorldChecklist of Selected Plant Families
A working list of all plant species