Native Ginger
Origin of name
Family: ZINGIBERACEAE
- Alpinia in honour of Prospero Alpini
- caerulea meaning “blue“
Occurrence
A local, understorey plant of margins & disturbed areas in well developed lowland, upland & mountain rainforest.
Does best in part or full shade but tolerates lots of sun. Hardy, but responds to watering in dry spells. Can be indoor plant. Grows from underground stem, so can be cut back hard if looks untidy. Prefers good drainage.
Appearance
Perennial herb. Clumps of thick stems with long, broad leaves rise 1-2m above underground stem. Heads of fragrant, white flowers (Aug-Mar) lead to blue berries.
New leaf shoots & berries have mild ginger flavour & can be used in cooking, or eaten fresh from plant. Birds (incl. cassowaries) eat the fruit. Caterpillars of Banded Demon butterfly eat the leaves.
