Etlingera elatior

Torch ginger

Wonderful Tropical flower

Rose de porcelaine, wòz poslèn, torch ginger, philippine waxflower, flor de cera, gingembre tropical, fleur de cire, kantan, wax flower, porcelain flower, …

Family

ZINGIBERACEAE

Origin

Indonesia

Description

Large tropical ginger with a bright pink or red inflorescence. Seedlings may be variable in color. Purchase plants propagated by division or rhizomes if you want to be sure of the exact color. 

Spectacular when blooming.

Habitat

Tropical rainforest (altitude 0-800m)

Propagation

Seeds or rhizom

Culture and care

This Ginger can grow even in shade than in full sun but is not tolerant of freezing temperatures. 40°F is the lowest temperature. He likes water.

In rich soil plants will be huge. 

Put the plant inside or in a veranda during winter, in a jar.

Uses

- Ornemental use

Very nice indoor plant. Can be planted as a single plant or in a edge. Cultivated for tropical cut flowers.

- Alimentary use

Beverages, syrup, marmelade, raw flowers, punch, roots are edibles. 

Etymology

The name Etlingera comes from the German botanist Andreas Ernst Etlinger and elatior means «higher» in Latin.

Anecdotes

Andreas Ernst Etlinger wrote «De salvia dissertatio inaugularis», published in 1777. This book can be consulted online at the BSB.