Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

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

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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

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