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Popular Name:
Ginger
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Botanical Name and Pronunciation:
Alpinia spp. (gon-ee-o-LEE-mon tar-TAR-i-cum)
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Common Name(s):
Shell Ginger, Shellflower, Ostrich Plume, Torch Ginger
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Color(s):
red and pink are most common but it is also available in yellow, cream and white
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Form and Size:
The stems of ginger are very thick and can reach 3 feet in height. At the stem end, the head is about 8 – 10 inches long and made up of shiny and thick bracts. The bracts are layered all the way up the head.
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Vase Life:
7 – 21 days
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Availability:
late-summer – early-fall
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Care Instructions:
Remove any leaves at the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food.
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History and Usage:
A member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, ginger originated in Indo-Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia and eastern Asia. Its botanical name, Alpinia, was named after Prosper Alpino (some sources say Prosper Alpinus) who was an Italian botanist. He lived from 1553-1616. The exotic look of this flower makes it perfect for contemporary arrangements.
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Points of Interest:
Relatives of ginger include ginger (spice) and ginger lily (Curcuma).
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Ethylene Sensitive:
No
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