Etlingera

Etlingera is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the ginger family. It is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The genus was first described by Rosemary M. Smith in 1986.

Description

Etlingera species are characterized by their large size, with some species reaching up to 15 meters in height. They have long, slender leaves and brightly colored inflorescences that emerge directly from the ground. The flowers are typically red, pink, or white and are often used in floral arrangements.

Species

There are over 100 species in the Etlingera genus. Some of the most well-known include:

• E. elatior (also known as torch ginger)
• E. fulgens (also known as red torch ginger)
• E. littoralis (also known as jungle queen)
• E. maingayi (also known as Maingay's torch ginger)

Uses

Many Etlingera species are cultivated for their ornamental value. In addition, some species have edible parts and are used in traditional Asian cuisine. For example, the flower buds of E. elatior are used in Malaysian and Thai dishes.

Cultivation

Etlingera species are tropical plants and require warm, humid conditions to thrive. They prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sun. They are propagated by division or from seed.

Conservation

Some Etlingera species are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation in their native range. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.

See also

• List of Etlingera species
• Zingiberaceae