Alpinia (Zingiberaceae) BSWJ8889

japonica

A clump forming rhizomatous perennial with stems to 60cm tall, bearing broad almost sessile leaves softly hairy below, 40cm long by 7cm wide with undulating margins. Flowering May-June on the previous year's stems, in terminal 15cm dense spikes, white with red striation to 2.5cm long, followed by ovoid red fruit. Full sun and moist soil protect from frost. Our collection from a bamboo forest in Yukuhashi, Kyushu. These are very full pots!