How to identify Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum)
Kahili ginger, also known as Wild ginger lily, Salmon butterfly ginger
Kahili ginger boasts imposing stature, with stems towering up to 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) tall. Its impressive foliage consists of leaves that can grow to roughly 2 feet (60 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width, sporting a distinctive powdery-white underside. During its late summer bloom, the plant displays fragrant yellow flowers, each set off by striking red stamens. Smaller than its relatives, kahili ginger's flowers complement the resistant, clean-looking greenery. This species thrives in light shade with regular watering, tolerating temperatures as low as 10-20°F (-12 to -7°C).
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Tall stems grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), towering above other plants.
Distinct powdery-white underside on 2-foot-long (60 cm) leaves sets it apart.
Fragrant yellow flowers with striking red stamens bloom in late summer.
6-inch-long (15 cm) tubular flowers sport pale yellow hue with red accents.
Three-part fruit capsule transitions from vivid green to mature brown in autumn.
The leaves of kahili ginger are long, clasping the tall stems and exhibiting a bright green hue. They can measure up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width. The leaves have an elongated, lanceolate shape with smooth edges and a prominent central vein from which evenly spaced parallel veins extend. Their texture is glossy and firm, adding to their distinctive appearance among other foliage.
The flowers of kahili ginger are fragrant, appearing in dense spikes towards the end of summer. They are primarily pale yellow, accented with striking red markings. Each flower is tubular with an intricate arrangement of petals and sepals. The flowers can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Their delightful fragrance and vibrant coloration make them highly noticeable and distinguishable.
The pseudostems of kahili ginger arise from robust rhizomes, and are formed by long, succulent, interlocked leaf petioles. These pseudostems can reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and have a smooth, slightly glossy texture. They are typically green, with a subtle gradation towards lighter shades near the base, and are sturdy and thick, measuring approximately 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. The pseudostems do not branch, providing a strong, single vertical structure for the plant.
The fruit of kahili ginger emerges as a three-part capsule, transitioning in hue from vivid green to a mature brown in the autumn season. Each section of the capsule cradles a fleshy orange aril within. The ripened fruit unveils its contents in late fall, providing a visual marker for its state of maturity. The color contrast between the brown capsule and the bright aril is noteworthy. While the capsule itself is firm and dry upon maturity, the aril presents a moist, almost juicy texture.
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Scientific Classification of Kahili ginger
