SafePlants

Alpinia: A Tropical Delight

The genus Alpinia, belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), offers a diverse array of flowering plants prized for their ornamental value. Among the well-known species are Alpinia zerumbet and Alpinia mutica, each with unique characteristics and captivating beauty.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Alpinia Roxb.
• Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger Family)
• Genus: Alpinia

Species Highlights

• Alpinia zerumbet:
  • Common Names: Shell ginger, White ginger.
  • Synonyms: Renealmia nutans, Zerumbet speciosum.
  • A perennial ginger species native to East Asia.
  • Can reach heights of 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3.0 m).
• Alpinia mutica:
  • Common Names: Small shell ginger, Orchid ginger, Small shellflower.
  • Symbol: ALMU2
  • A perennial monocot.

Distribution and Habitat

• Alpinia zerumbet is native to East Asia.
• Alpinia mutica is native to the Malay Peninsula

Morphological Characteristics

• Alpinia zerumbet, also known as Shell Ginger, is a perennial species that can grow up to 8 to 10 ft tall.
• The flowers of Alpinia are often described as resembling small seashells.
• Variegated shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata') is a smaller, more compact cultivar with striking color variations in its foliage.

Cultivation and Growth Habits

• Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' is sometimes grown as a houseplant.
• Shell ginger is root hardy to Zone 8 and can be grown from a small rhizome.
• Variegated shell ginger is grown as a foliage plant, producing flower stalks with maroon bracts and smaller flowers in late summer.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "shell ginger" derives from the individual flowers' resemblance to small, coiled seashells.

Additional Information

• Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Alpinia mutica.