Kahili ginger
Hedychium gardnerianum

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A ginger family herb. It grows 2.4 m tall. The rhizomes are large. The leaves are long and bright green and clasp the stem. They are 20-50 cm long and 10-20 cm wide. It has an attractive flower. It is pale yellow and red and has a scent. The flower spikes are 15-45 cm long.

It can be invasive. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Azores, Australia, Bhutan, Central America, Hawaii, Himalayas, Honduras, India (country/location of origin), Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Northeastern India, Reunion, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, Thailand (country/location of origin), USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

It is edible but not attractive.

Edible parts

Bulbs

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or rhizomes.

Its other names

Local names

Gardnerjev hedihij, Saro

Synonyms

Gamochilus speciosus T. Lestib.; Hedychium gardnerianum var. pallidum (Regel) Baker; Hedychium pallidum Regel;