Alpinia arctiflora

Pleated Ginger, Booroogum

 Zingiberaceae

Form and Size: Clumps of erect, thick stems to about 3m, rising from an underground rhizome.

Distribution: Rainforests of north-eastern Qld.

Leaves: Pleated upper surface, hairy underneath, wavy margins, about 50cm x 12cm.
 
Flowers: Flared, slender, white lip and large pink bract; borne on an erect, terminal panicle about 20cm long.

Flowering Period: January to April. 

Fruit: Roughly egg shaped, mauve-brown when ripe, to 5cm long.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from fresh seed or division of the rhizome. Requires fairly shady conditions with plenty of moisture; mulch is very helpful.