Alpinia speciosa K.Schum.

Frost-tender, robust, upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial with lance-shaped leaves and fragrant, nodding, white, purple-tinged flowers, with yellow lips striped red and brown in summer.  To 3m.  [RHSE, Hortus]. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This very beautiful plant is a native of China, and of the East Indies.  Is usually considered as a stove plant, but should be allowed plenty of air; nor does it require much articial heat, except to bring it into flower. […] Introduced about the year 1792, by the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks.’  [BM t.1903/1817].  MB p.125/1846. 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues.  [B.22/1843]. 

Notes

Alpinia nutans K.Schum. (1889), from New Guinea, is probably not Macarthur’s plant. 

Published Jan 16, 2009 - 03:27 PM | Last updated Aug 01, 2010 - 03:28 PM

Depicted is a lance-shaped leaf and spike of white, pink and yellow flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.1903, 1817.

Alpinia speciosa K.Schum. | BM t.1903/1817 | BHL

More details about Alpinia speciosa K.Schum.
Family Zingiberaceae
Category
Region of origin

East Asia
Synonyms
  • Alpinia nutans Rosc.
  • Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L.Burtt. & R.M.Sm.
  • Costus zerumbet Pers.
  • Zerumbet speciosum Jacq.

 
Common Name

Pink porcelain lily, Shell ginger, Indian shell flower
Name in the Camden Park Record

Alpinia nutans 
Confidence level high