Common Names:
Torch Ginger

Polynesian Names:
Tahiti: 'Awapuhi, Opuhi
Marquesas: Opuhi, Eka, Pua Vao
Hawai'i: 'Awapuhi-ko'oko'o

Classification:

Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Sm.
Kingdom: Plantae-Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta-Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta-Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta-Flowering plants
Class: Liliopsida-Monocotyledons
Subclass: Zingiberidae
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae-Ginger family
Genus: Etlingera Giseke - Waxflower
Species: Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Sm. - Torch Ginger
(National Plant Database. 2004.)
(Liogier, H.A. and L.F. Martorell. 1982. Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: A Systematic Synopsis.)

The inflorescence comes out of the ground instead of the terminal spike, thus making it easier to cut as a cut flower. The bracts are cherry red with yellow edges. As the bracts open up, the lower bract leaves turn down revealing a cone shaped torch. The inner perianth segments are pink, the labellum is red with a yellow or white margin and the anther is red. The fruits are green to reddish. This is an exceptional ginger with a very exotic look, well suited for the garden or greenhouse but needing plenty of room to grow.

Gingers are distinguished by the presence of a labellum, formed by the fusion of two sterile stamens, and by the presence of essential oils in their tissues.
(Smith, A. C. 1979. Flora Vitiensis nova: A New Flora of Fiji. NTBG.)

(Smith, A. C. 1979. Flora Vitiensis nova: A New Flora of Fiji. NTBG.)

(Information for this species compiled and recorded by Camelia Cirnaru, NTBG Consultant.)