This stand of ginger (we thought it was Torch) finally bloomed...and I have no idea what it is. Can anyone help? The flowers are lovely...non flashy but very elegant. Thanks in advance...
Carol
Mystery Ginger. ID?
It rather looks like an Aframomum but I've no idea which species. Do you have a better close-up of the flower?
Dave Skinner
www.gingersrus.com
Dave...was hoping you would have an idea. Will take a better picture tomorrow and post! Thanks.
Sorry this is so late getting here...
The bract/flower: before, during, after.
Any help???
I am just not really sure. It looks to me like an Aframomum (or I should say not like anything else I am familiar with except Aframomum) but I am not an expert on that genus. Very few Aframomums are in cultivation in the US. You can see photos of a few other Aframomums on my website at
http://www.gingersrus.com/images/thumbnail.php?columns=4&Folder=Other%20Gingers%20-%20A-D
BTW, the photo on that page listed as A. melegueta is apparently incorrectly identified.
Here is a message I recently got from Rob Nicholson with Smith Botanic Garden in Massachusets.
"Hi Dave, The photo you have of A. melegueta from us seems to be a mis-identification. Long story: we got the seed as same from a German BG (Bonn?, I can look it up if you need it) and it took 10 years to grow out and finally flower. It does not match any photos of A. melegueta online so I sent images to Dave Harris, an expert and based on the yellow color and source locale (Ghana) he puts it as A. chrysantha J.M. Locke
I also sent a similar note to Monsoto Gardens in P.R. as they had it on their website too and I couldn't remember if I had sent him a seedling of same. Maybe from you?
My bad, as my son would put it.
Regards, Rob Nicholson Smith BG"
Dave Skinner
www.gingersrus.com
Thanks for that, Dave. It gives me a start! It really is pretty and I wish I had planted it closer to the house as the basal inflorencses would be easier to visit. Now they are way out in a corner we never go to.
Carol
They are indeed pretty. The only one I have bloomed myself is Aframomum daniellii - at least that is how it was identified at the botanical garden in Europe where it was cultivated. It surprised me when it bloomed how showy the flowers were for a basal inflorescence.
(more photos at http://www.gingersrus.com/DataSheet.php?PID=3529)
One of them evidently pollinated because I also have a large bright red seed pod that is almost as pretty as the flowers, and it has lasted several months. I have taken several divisions and will try the seeds once they mature. Come to think of it, I really ought to add this to my on-line catalog. I have not tested it for hardiness but somehow doubt it would be hardy here in Tallahassee. I am officially zone 8B but more like zone 9 since I am in the city and the winters have been mild the past few years.
Dave Skinner
www.gingersrus.com
This message was edited Jan 18, 2007 9:16 AM
Dear Carol, could it possibly be some sort of Hornstedtia? Are the roots on the stilty side? There are a few very cool ones from Malaysia and in North Queensland we have one that we call native cardamon. The cassowaries and wampoo pigeons love the fruits. Ann
YES...found the REAL name....
Hornstedtia aff. scottiana
Local ginger buff came by to see it!!!
Thanks to all,
Carol