Torch Ginger

Description:

Like the white ginger, the torch ginger, also known as the red ginger, grows on a thinner stem. It shares many of the physical attributes as the white ginger, which was posted before this one. Another similarity is that its leaves are long, pointed and dark green. The flower is long, with red petals in a scale - like formation, pointing at the top. As time goes on, and the plant ages, other than having the leaves dry up and turn brown, the petals on the flower begin to spread out and fall off. Along the edges of the leaf are large waves, giving the leaves almost a withered look. While the ones in the picture is merely 4 - 5 feet, torch ginger have the capability of growing up to 17 - 20 feet.

Habitat:

Torch ginger originally grew in the tropical parts of Asia, including Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc. This specific one was spotted in Kāneʻohe, ʻOahu. Like many other ginger varieties, it prefers warm, tropical areas to grow.

Notes:

Uses of the torch ginger includes an antidote for stomach aches, seasoning for certain dishes, or simply decoration. Even the stems can be used for culinary purposes.