Alpinia

Alpinia purpurata

Alpinia purpurata (Red Ginger), is widely cultivated for its brightly coloured inflorescence as an ornamental flower. The height of the matured leaf stalk can range between 1 to 2 metres, depending on the variety.

Commonly cultivated varieties have either red or pink inflorescence. Small white flowers grow from the gaps between the bracts.

Alpinia is the only genus in the tribe Alpinieae that has terminal inflorescence (i.e. the inflorescence grows form the tip of the leaf stalk, one on each stalk).

Alpinia purpurata - Fruits

Alpinia galanga

The rhizomes of Alpinia galanga is used medicinally and as a spice. The leaf stalk reaches a height of two metres, bearing spectacular white flowers at the tip.

Common names: greater galangal; lengkuas

Flowers of Alpinia galanga

            Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga           

Alpinia galanga - The plant

Alpinia galanga - Inflorescence

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