Alpinia

Alpinia is a genus of flowering plants in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Native to tropical Asia and the Pacific, the genus comprises numerous species cultivated for ornamental and culinary purposes. They are perennial herbs with creeping rhizomes.

Plants are rhizomatous perennials with evergreen leaves arranged along the stems. Inflorescences rise on flowering stalks from near the base, with colorful bracts and tubular flowers that vary in size and color depending on the species.

Notable species and uses: Alpinia galanga, or greater galangal, and Alpinia officinarum, or lesser galangal, are used as spices in Southeast Asian cuisines. Alpinia purpurata, the red ginger, is widely grown as an ornamental plant and in floral arrangements. Alpinia zerumbet, shell ginger, is valued ornamentally and for its variegated foliage.

Cultivation: They prefer warm, humid conditions and well-drained, fertile soil. Many species tolerate partial shade, but some require brighter light. Propagation is usually by division of rhizomes. In cultivation, regular moisture and protection from freezing are important; pests include aphids and nematodes, and rhizome rot can occur in poorly drained soil.

Taxonomy and distribution: Alpinia belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, within the order Zingiberales. The genus is distributed across tropical Asia and the Pacific, and many species are grown commercially for culinary or ornamental uses.