Common Name: Red ginger.
Red ginger is a native of Malaysia naturalized in India. It is a beautiful ornamental plant, the main attraction being the red bracts that cover the flower. The plant can easily grow to around 1.5 meters in height. It is a favorite among landscape garden planners and horticulturists: several cultivar varieties have been developed. The leaves are alternate and stalk less: the lower portion of the leaf wraps around the stem. The leaves can measure around 21-30 cm in length. The leaf shape is oblong; apex is acute and leaf margin entire. The inflorescence is in the form of a terminal raceme which can grow to more than 25 cm. The flowers are white in color and measure around 0.5 cm, they are hardly visible as they are covered with red bracts. These bracts are spoon shaped and measure around 3.6 cm in length. The fruit is in the form of a capsule; they break open and release the seeds. The seeds sometimes germinate around the bract of the mother plant. These young plants can be separated and planted elsewhere. Red ginger is often planted in Tamilnadu in corporate offices and large lawns. In home gardens they can be easily grown in pots.
