Zingiber - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 3)

Curcuma is a genus of rhizomatous herbaceous perennials in the Zingiberaceae family, comprising more than 100 species native to tropical and subtropical Asia, with some species extending to northern Australia and the western Pacific. Plants arise seasonally from underground rhizomes and typically form clumps 1-5 feet (30 cm-1.5 m) tall, with broad, often prominently pleated leaves. Many ornamental species and cultivars produce striking inflorescences composed of overlapping bracts in shades of white, pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, or green, with the smaller true flowers emerging between them. Some ornamental Curcumas, particularly selections derived from Curcuma alismatifolia and related species, are commonly known as Siam Tulips and are valued as both garden and cut flowers.

Curcumas grow best in warm conditions, bright filtered light to partial shade, and fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture during active growth. Most undergo a pronounced seasonal dormancy, when the foliage dies back and watering should be greatly reduced until new shoots emerge. Cold tolerance varies among species, but many ornamental Curcumas are suited to USDA Zones 8-11 with winter protection toward the colder end of the range; elsewhere the rhizomes can be overwintered indoors. Several members of the genus are important food, spice, or medicinal plants, most notably Curcuma longa, whose dried rhizomes are the source of turmeric, but these uses should not be assumed for ornamental species or cultivars. The genus offers a particularly diverse range of foliage, colorful long-lasting bracts, and growth forms for tropical gardens, containers, and cut-flower production.

Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as Cardamom or True Cardamom, is a tropical member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), native to the rainforests of southwestern India and Sri Lanka. It forms attractive clumps of lush, glossy foliage reaching 5-10 feet tall under ideal conditions, though container-grown plants are usually smaller. Cardamom thrives in warm, humid conditions with rich, organic, slightly acidic soil and bright filtered light or partial shade. In areas with cool winters, including much of Central Florida, it typically goes dormant, with the foliage dying back to the rhizomes. This is a normal part of its growth cycle, and fresh shoots emerge when warm weather returns in spring.

Its graceful flower stalks arise directly from the base of the plant rather than the leafy stems. The orchid-like flowers are white to pale green with striking purple-striped lips and are attractive to pollinators. After flowering, green seed capsules develop - the famous cardamom pods prized around the world. Each pod contains numerous tiny aromatic black seeds. The seeds provide the strongest flavor, while the pods can also be used whole to perfume teas, coffee, rice dishes, curries, and desserts.

Known as the "Queen of Spices," cardamom is one of the world's most valuable spices, appreciated for its unique sweet, citrusy, minty, and gently spicy flavor. It is widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, and North African cuisine, adding fragrance to chai tea, coffee, baked goods, curries, rice, ice cream, fruit desserts, and preserves.

Cardamom has also been valued for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. Rich in aromatic essential oils and antioxidant compounds, it has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion, freshen breath, ease bloating, and relieve occasional nausea.

Harvest begins when the seed capsules are fully developed but still green. The pods are picked before they split open, then carefully dried to preserve their aroma. For the freshest flavor, crack open the pods just before use and lightly crush or grind the seeds, as pre-ground cardamom quickly loses much of its fragrance.

Cardamom grows best in USDA Zones 10-11 but also makes an excellent container plant for cooler climates. Given warmth, humidity, regular watering, fertile soil, and protection from direct afternoon sun, it becomes a handsome ornamental while offering the unique reward of harvesting your own fresh cardamom - one of the world's most treasured spices.

Riedelia coralina is so rare that published information about this exact species is extremely hard to find. Most references to it appear in specialized collector circles rather than in widely available horticultural or botanical literature.

Species close related to Burbidgea. The edible flowers have pleasant, spicy fragrance and flavor. Riedelia coralina is so rare that published information about this species and photos are extremely hard to find. Most references to it appear in specialized collector circles rather than in widely available horticultural or botanical literature. Detailed botanical descriptions of Riedelia coralina are scarce.

Riedelia is a genus in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), mostly native to New Guinea and nearby regions. Most species are found in the understory of tropical rainforests and prefer warm, humid, and partially shaded environments.

Like other gingers, Riedelia species typically form clumps from rhizomes, producing upright leafy stems and showy inflorescences.

Coral Ginger Borneo Pink Ginger, as the name suggests, has coral or strawberry-pink-hued bracts or blooms, fitting the Coral Ginger nickname. Broad, lanceolate leaves arranged alternately on leafy stems that emerge from rhizomes.

Prefers filtered sun or dappled shade in a humid, tropical environment. Indoor growers can simulate rainforest conditions with warm temperatures and consistent moisture.

A rich, well-draining potting mix high in organic matter helps keep the roots from sitting in water. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Riedelia coralina is virtually unknown in mainstream horticulture, making it a prized collector's item. Any plants in cultivation likely come from very limited nursery sources or specialty plant imports.

If you're seeking Riedelia coralina, you may need to rely on small-scale collectors or specialty nurseries that import rare tropical gingers. Because its so uncommon, ensure that any source follows legal and ethical guidelines regarding collection and export. If you're lucky enough to acquire a specimen, treat it like most delicate rainforest gingers: provide warmth, humidity, bright but filtered light, and well-draining soil.

We obtained this super rare ginger from the collection of Mark Hooten. The seedlings finally bloomed for us in January 2025.