White ginger lily

White ginger lily

Hedychium coronarium (Zingiberaceae)

Common Name:

White ginger lily

Scientific Name:

Hedychium coronarium (Zingiberaceae)


Alternative common names:

Wit gemmerlelies (Afrikaans)

Description:

A vigorous plant up to 2m high. Broad, bright green leaves which sheath the stems. Fragrant flowers in spikes up to 30cm long from January to April. Each flower has a slender tube with three narrow and three broad, petal-like lobes. Flowers are white, sometimes yellow at the base.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Asia (India to Indonesia)

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Western Cape provinces

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal and tough rhizomes

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and replaces indigenous species. Obstructs access to plantations

What does it look like?

General description: A vigorous herb rising from rhizomes up to 2m high. Broad, bright green leaves which sheath the stems.
Leaves: Broad, bright green leaves sheath the stems.
Flowers: Flowers are white, sometimes yellow at the base, from January to April.
Fruit/seeds: Capsules.

Does the plant have any uses?

Grown as a garden ornament

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