Alpinia vittata

Variegated ginger

 

Widely Cultivated for its handsome variegated foliage                                                                               

 

Family

 

ZINGIBERACEAE

 

Origin

 

Îles Salomon

 

Description

 

Rhizomatous grass with leafy stems of the ginger family up to 1,50m. The leaves are green, with white or cream bands. The small inflorescences are leaning with green bracts tinged with pink. It is widely cultivated for its handsome variegated foliage.

 

Habitat

 

Cultivated

 

Propagation

Division of rhizoms

 

Culture and care

 

 

Alpinia vittata grows best in fertile, organically rich, moist and well drained soil.

It can be planted in partial shade and is not tolerant of temperatures below 50°F.

 

At 41°F or less, the foliage and inflorescences die. The plant will rebirth with the warm day.

 

 

Uses

 

- Ornemental use

 

It’s often grown as a border plant in the tropics and as a potted plant in the greenhouse in temperate climates. It is cultivated for foliage.

 

Etymology

 

 

The name Alpinia comes from Prosper Alpino, italian botanist and Vittata, striped lengthwise, banded longitudinally, like its leaves.