Etlingera elatior ( Nicolaia elatior) Red Torch Ginger - Zingiberaceae
The Red Torch Ginger originally comes from Southeast Asia but is being cultivated
as an ornamental plant around the world. The red inflorescence with its red glossy bracts
is growing on its own stalk which can reach a height of 5 feet. The plant itself may reach
a height of 15 feet ( 5m) under ideal conditions. Foliage dark green, often maroon beneath.
Pseudostems also have a maroon coloring which adds to the ornamental beauty of this ginger.
The inflorescence is a useful cut flower and when still young it serves as a delicacy in some Asian
countries.
Best grown in full sun and should be planted in rich soil.