Kahili ginger

Description:

A lush wild ginger plant that grows to a height of about 4 feet, including flower spikes. The stems bearing flower spikes and long ovate leaves are fleshy and grow straight out of underground stems. Flowers are arranged all round the spike and are a bright yellow with striking deep orange pistils. When in bloom, the flowers are extremely fragrant in the evenings.

Habitat:

Native of India and Himalayan regions and can grow in places with moderately warm climate.

Notes:

This plant sprung-up in the garden behind a shed and has since been transplanted to the front garden. It can be invasive as it grows and spreads with ease and therefore needs to be kept in check. It is considered a pest in New Zealand where it is affecting the growth of native plants. The rhizome of this plant is not edible.