Ginger-lily (Hedychium gardnerianum, Bot. Reg. 9: t. 774 (1824))

Family: Zingiberaceae

Author: Sheppard ex Ker Gawl.

Bibliography: Bot. Reg. 9: t. 774 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hedychium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Nepal to Indo-China

Description

The Ginger-lily, scientifically known as Hedychium gardnerianum, is an exotic and vibrant perennial that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. This compelling plant is native to a region spanning from Nepal to Indo-China, making it a treasured specimen in both natural and cultivated settings.

Initially documented in 1824 with its mention in the Botanical Register (Bot. Reg. 9: t. 774), this striking plant was brought to scientific attention by Sheppard and later formally described by Ker Gawl. Since then, it has been admired for its aesthetic and aromatic qualities.

Hedychium gardnerianum stands out with its dazzling floral displays. The plant typically blooms in late summer, offering racemes of bright yellow and red-tinted flowers that emit a delicate and pleasing fragrance. Its lush, lance-shaped leaves add to the tropical allure, creating a sense of paradise wherever it grows.

This versatile species is not only prized for its beauty but also for its adaptability. It thrives in a variety of conditions, from the mountainous regions of Nepal to the humid climates of Indo-China, showcasing its resilience and ability to enhance diverse landscapes.

In its native habitats and beyond, the Ginger-lily serves multiple purposes. Cultivators appreciate it for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes. Additionally, the aromatic properties of its flowers have traditional significance in several cultures where it is often used in perfumery and ceremonial practices.

Hedychium gardnerianum’s robust nature and enchanting presence make it a favorite among gardeners and botanists alike. Whether observed in the wild or nurtured in a garden, its captivating essence continues to inspire admiration and deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Common Names

Eng: himalayan ginger, kahila garland-lily, kahili ginger, ginger-lily, kahili ginger-lily, kahili-ginger, yellow-ginger
Por: bananilha, choupa, conteir, conteira, gengibre-da-terra, roca-de-velha, roca-de-vénus
Afr: kahiligemmerlelie
En: Ginger-lily, Yellow-ginger, Kahili ginger-lily, Kahili-ginger, Kahila garland-lily, Kahila Ginger-Lily, Kahili ginger lily, Kahili ginger, Himalayan ginger, Wild ginger
Af: Kahiligemmerlelie
Zh: 紅絲薑花
Fi: Keltatuoksuinkivääri, Tuoksuinkivääri
Fr: Longose
Pt: Conteira, Bananilha, Choupa, Conteir, Gengibre-da-terra, Roca-de-velha, Roca-de-vénus

Synonyms

• Hedychium gardnerianum var. pallidum ((Regel) Baker)
• Hedychium pallidum (Regel)
• Hedychium gardnerianum var. fasciatum (K.Koch)
• Gamochilus speciosus (T.Lestib.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 18, 2022 by Flo Flore (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by petra.gyssels (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2021 by carole lacaille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2020 by Anthea Grant (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 26, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Jhon Fredy Ocampo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Shua Tinwe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 23, 2022 by Franck Ls (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2019 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by celine horellou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by David May (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 24, 2016 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2019 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 8, 2020 by daniel loriot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Fritsch Martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Shua Tinwe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Axel Cuzzubbo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 23, 2012 by S. Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2012 by S. Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2012 by S. Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2012 by S. Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2012 by S. Dufour-Kowalski (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2758700)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:69077-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hedychium gardnerianum Sheppard ex Ker Gawl.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth