img

Alpinia zerumbet

(Pers.) B.L.Burtt & R.M.Sm. (1972)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Monocots Order: Zingiberales Family: Zingiberaceae Genus: Alpinia

shell flower, shell ginger

img

Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Leafy pseudostems 2–3 m tall.

Stems: Rhizomes fibrous, creeping.

Roots: Fibrous root system.

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate, distichous, oriented transverse to the rhizome. Blades oblong–lanceolate, 30––60 cm long × 5––10 cm wide. Apex acuminate with a spiral mucro. Base attenuate. Surfaces glabrous except pubescent at margin. Margins entire. Lateral veins parallel, diverging from prominent midrib. Petiolate. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in inflorescence terminal on leafy shoot, usually pendent or nodding, 12–15" long, rachis reddish, hairy; bracts absent, bractlet 1–1.5" long, enclosing 2 flowers, persistent. Flowers fragrant, bisexual (perfect), zygomorphic, pedicellate, Pedicel 1–2 cm. Calyx 3-lobed, the lobes unequal; white, subcampanulate, ca. 2 cm, split on 1 side, apex toothed. Corolla adnate with the stamens into a floral tube, distally 3-lobed; corolla lobes unequal, lobes white tipped pink; corolla tube shorter than calyx; lobes milky white with pink apex, oblong, ca. 3 cm; central lobe larger than lateral ones. Stamens 5, in 2 whorls, only the posterior one of the inner whorl fertile, the other 2 members of inner whorl connate to form a highly variable, often conspicuous labellum; labellum broadly ovate, 1–1.2(–1.8)" long, red mottled yellow, edge ruffled, Lateral staminodes subulate, ca. 2 mm. Labellum yellow with purple–red stripes, broadly ovate–spatulate, 4-6 cm, apex crisped. Stamens ca. 2.5 cm. Ovary inferior, with 2 variously developed apical nectary glands, 3-celled, sometimes incompletely so, rarely 1-celled, placentation axile, parietal (or essentially basal), or rarely free-central; ovules usually numerous; style filiform, often enveloped in a groove of the fertile stamen and embraced by the thecae; stigma various, often papillose and protruding beyond anther. Ovary golden yellow hirsute.

Fruit: Fruit a ± globose; vermilion capsules; ca. 2 cm in diameter in diameter; ribbed; pubescent. ribbed; apex with persistent calyx. Seeds angled; 0.25 cm in diameter; gray.

Ploidy: 2n = 48

Habitat:

Elevation Range:

Historical Distribution

Images

img

Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Only found in cultivation

Island Status

Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Lana'i Potentially naturalizing
Maui Naturalized

Dispersal Agents

Water/Ocean
Birds

Vegetative Reproduction

Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 31: 204 (1972)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1617 (noting as persisting after cult., DESCR); Flynn & Lorence 2002:16 (NEWNAT/K, DESCR); Staples & Herbst 2005:760 (KEY), 761 (DESCR); Oppenheimer 2008:35 (WM); Oppenheimer 2010:38 (Mo); Frohlich & Lau 2014:15 (O); Oppenheimer & Bogner 2019:24 (L)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; Judd St., residence of A. F. Judd Preserved_Specimen Judd Jr., A.F. Oahu BISH 1936-07-06
2 Alpinia zerumbet Laie Preserved_Specimen Pikula, L. 14 Oahu BISH 1989-03-15
3 Alpinia zerumbet Kawainui Marsh, at site of former Kailua Nursery; Pali Hwy at Quarry Rd Preserved_Specimen Smith, L.B. 117 Oahu BISH 1976-05-24
4 Alpinia zerumbet Old Pali Rd., Marks' home Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1954-05-16
5 Alpinia zerumbet Kaaawa In sandy loam. Preserved_Specimen Shrubs with white and pink flowers. Hai, N. 41 Oahu BISH 1975-04-05
6 Alpinia zerumbet Upper Kaunakakai Gulch, NE of Kaulahuki, vicinity of Waikolu Park In Eucalyptus forest. Preserved_Specimen Naturalized herbs to 2m+ tall. Oppenheimer, H.L. 10809 Molokai BISH 2008-01-16
7 Alpinia zerumbet Waimea Arboretum Lowland riparian cultivated setting, along old stream trail. Unmaintained portion of garden. Preserved_Specimen 2 meter tall herb with scented leaves, globular fruits. One plant in immediate vicinity, but species is scattered along streamside. Area is periodically flooded. OED 2013061005 Oahu BISH 2013-06-10
8 Alpinia zerumbet 42 Coelho Way Growing in garden. Preserved_Specimen Plant bearing 1 fruit only. Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1949-01-14
9 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa In moist, fertile soil. Preserved_Specimen Large perennial herb; irregular bell-shaped flowers. Mackelprang, J. 259 Oahu BISH 1977-04-01
10 Alpinia zerumbet W Maui, Honokawai, by condos Park trees & open lawn, hard to reach areas. Associated vegetation: Tropical ornamentals. Preserved_Specimen Erect, perennial ginger, <1m ht, lvs fragrant; no fertile material within reach, but lots of fruit on plants nearby. Starr, F. 206202 Maui BISH 2002-06-20
11 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu: Manoa Valley; University of Hawaii Manoa Campus, Gartley Hall Growing in partial shade. Preserved_Specimen Herb 2 m tall. Flower white except for labellum, which has some buttercup yellow and cherry areas in addition to white. Flower not fragrant (in afternoon). Lau, J. 1197 Oahu BISH 1985-07-08
12 Alpinia zerumbet East Maui, Kihei, Kamaole, Lioholo Pl Tropical exotic landscape with sandy soil. Associated vegetation: Stenotaphrum secundatum. Residential ornamentals: Filicium, Bougainvillea, palms. Preserved_Specimen Perennial erect ginger-like tussocks 2-4m ht; lvs non-variegated, fragrant, glabrous; fruit yellow opening to red, numerous black seeds. Starr, F. 206171 Maui BISH 2002-06-17
13 Alpinia zerumbet Lawai-Kai estate, lower Lawai valley. E of Lawai stream near boundary with PTBG Thanksgiving Pavilion. Cultivated as a hedge. Preserved_Specimen Stems arching to ca. 2.5 m high. Tepals white, flushed with pink near apex. Lobellum yellow with red patch in center; stamen yellow. Fay, J.J. 275 Kauai BISH 1975-01-15
14 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu Planted in garden. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8104 Oahu BISH 1930-07-08
15 Alpinia zerumbet Kawela Bay Growing in sandy loam. Preserved_Specimen Common ornamental herb to 6 ft. tall; with distinctive pink flower cluster. Afualo, D. 23 Oahu BISH 1975-02-27
16 Alpinia zerumbet West Maui, Lahaina, Puuki, Kealii Gulch Steep gulch slopes and along intermittent stream bed; Acacia, Metrosideros, Dicranopteris, Freycinetia, Kadua, Psychotria, Tibouchina, Clidemia, Dodonaea, Doodia. Preserved_Specimen To 2 m herb; flower white with yellow labellum with red lines. Oppenheimer, H.L. 30709 Maui BISH 2007-03-14
17 Alpinia zerumbet West side of Haena State Park between road and beach Along stream bank and abandoned taro patches. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1978-06-16
18 Alpinia zerumbet Sandy Beach County Park In full sun. Preserved_Specimen Growing in a loose clump; stems up to 2.5 m long; some erect, most leaning. Flower bracts and sepals white tipped with rose pink to crimson. labellum a combination of canary yellow and crimson. Flowers odorless (morning). Lau, J. 2140 Oahu BISH 1986-03-17
19 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu: Manoa Valley; University of Hawaii Manoa Campus, Gartley Hall Growing in partial shade. Preserved_Specimen Herb 2 m tall. Flower white except for labellum, which has some buttercup yellow and cherry areas in addition to white. Flower not fragrant (in afternoon). Lau, J. 1197 Oahu BISH 1985-07-08
20 Alpinia zerumbet Koei In neglected or waste area Preserved_Specimen Spreading vis seeds in serveral places; not landscaped or cultivated Oppenheimer, H.L. 91803 Lanai BISH 2018-09-27
21 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa, Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Growing in living collections. Preserved_Specimen Cory, C. 14 Oahu BISH
22 Alpinia zerumbet Hanalei, Haena Beach County Park, mauka side along Manoa Stream lowland secondary mesic forest; Aleurites moluccana, Syzygium cumini, Mangifera indica, Terminalia catappa, Schefflera actinophylla, Scindapus aureus Preserved_Specimen rhizomatous herb, pseudostems 2.5-3 m; leaves distichous, green, aromatic; flower bracts and tepals porcelain white with pink red margins, labellum yellow with red markings; fruit orange red Lorence, D.H. 8468 Kauai BISH 2000-03-18
23 Alpinia zerumbet East Maui, Kihei, Kamaole, Lioholo Pl Tropical exotic landscape with sandy soil. Associated vegetation: Stenotaphrum secundatum. Residential ornamentals: Filicium, Bougainvillea, palms. Preserved_Specimen Perennial erect ginger-like tussocks 2-4m ht; lvs non-variegated, fragrant, glabrous; fruit yellow opening to red, numerous black seeds. Starr, F. 206171 Maui BISH 2002-06-17
24 Alpinia zerumbet West Maui, Lahaina, Kahoma Stream Stream banks, shady slopes, and open, sunny ledges. Preserved_Specimen Thickets. Oppenheimer, H.L. 60718 Maui BISH 2007-06-19
25 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; 2365 Oahu Ave Preserved_Specimen 10 ft. tall. St.John, H. 10511 Oahu BISH 1930-04-27
26 Alpinia zerumbet Laie Temple grounds (front side) Preserved_Specimen Herbs; open flower cluster about a ft. long; bell-shaped flower (crowded). Leaves borne in 2 rows stems smooth except for hairy edges. Ernestburg, E. 9 Oahu BISH 1977-03-25
27 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; 2365 Oahu Ave Preserved_Specimen 10 ft. tall. St.John, H. 10511 Oahu BISH 1930-04-27
28 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa; Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden Preserved_Specimen Plant to approximately 12 ft.; inflorescence pendulous; sepals white; labellum yellow, speckled and stripped with red. Kirchoff, B.K. 89232 Oahu BISH 1989-05-24
29 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa; Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden Preserved_Specimen Plant to approximately 6 ft.; sepals and petals white with a tip of pink; labellum yellow stippled with red at center and solid red-pink on margins. Kirchoff, B.K. 89257 Oahu BISH 1989-05-24
30 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa; Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden Preserved_Specimen Cory, C. 13 Oahu BISH 1986-03-19
31 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; Univ. Hawaii, Manoa campus Preserved_Specimen Herb. Flower waxy-white tipped with pink, lip yellow with red veining. Fruit orange. Herbst, D.R. 593 Oahu BISH 1967-09-15
32 Alpinia zerumbet 2605 Lioholo Place, Kihei Volunteered in flower beds in Lee Altenberg's yard. Always in areas under some amount of irrigation. Preserved_Specimen Altenberg, L. Maui BISH 2002-05-15
33 Alpinia zerumbet Vancouver Highway Preserved_Specimen Fruit only, seen for the 1st time on the plants. Edmondson, C.H. Oahu BISH 1959-11-01
34 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; 42 Coelho Way Preserved_Specimen With fruit. Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1952-08-10
35 Alpinia zerumbet Koloa District; Lawai Valley. Maidenhair Falls Preserved_Specimen Stems up to 7 ft., lax; lvs variegated dark green and whitish-yellow, glossy above, below paler with slight sheen; infl drooping, peduncle whitish-pink; pedicels whitish-pink becoming yellowish-white at base; outer tepals waxy white with pink apex. (SEE LABEL FOR MORE DESCRIPTION). Flynn, T.W. 3880 Kauai BISH 1990-05-03
36 Alpinia zerumbet 95-731 Lauaki St, Mililani Preserved_Specimen The plant has around 10 other racemes with immature fruit. Altenberg, L. Oahu BISH 2002-08-04
37 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; Judd St., residence of A. F. Judd Preserved_Specimen Judd Jr., A.F. Oahu BISH 1936-07-06
38 Alpinia zerumbet Laie Preserved_Specimen Pikula, L. 14 Oahu BISH 1989-03-15
39 Alpinia zerumbet Kawainui Marsh, at site of former Kailua Nursery; Pali Hwy at Quarry Rd Preserved_Specimen Smith, L.B. 117 Oahu BISH 1976-05-24
40 Alpinia zerumbet Old Pali Rd., Marks' home Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1954-05-16
41 Alpinia zerumbet Kaaawa In sandy loam. Preserved_Specimen Shrubs with white and pink flowers. Hai, N. 41 Oahu BISH 1975-04-05
42 Alpinia zerumbet Upper Kaunakakai Gulch, NE of Kaulahuki, vicinity of Waikolu Park In Eucalyptus forest. Preserved_Specimen Naturalized herbs to 2m+ tall. Oppenheimer, H.L. 10809 Molokai BISH 2008-01-16
43 Alpinia zerumbet Waimea Arboretum Lowland riparian cultivated setting, along old stream trail. Unmaintained portion of garden. Preserved_Specimen 2 meter tall herb with scented leaves, globular fruits. One plant in immediate vicinity, but species is scattered along streamside. Area is periodically flooded. OED 2013061005 Oahu BISH 2013-06-10
44 Alpinia zerumbet 42 Coelho Way Growing in garden. Preserved_Specimen Plant bearing 1 fruit only. Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1949-01-14
45 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa In moist, fertile soil. Preserved_Specimen Large perennial herb; irregular bell-shaped flowers. Mackelprang, J. 259 Oahu BISH 1977-04-01
46 Alpinia zerumbet W Maui, Honokawai, by condos Park trees & open lawn, hard to reach areas. Associated vegetation: Tropical ornamentals. Preserved_Specimen Erect, perennial ginger, <1m ht, lvs fragrant; no fertile material within reach, but lots of fruit on plants nearby. Starr, F. 206202 Maui BISH 2002-06-20
47 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu: Manoa Valley; University of Hawaii Manoa Campus, Gartley Hall Growing in partial shade. Preserved_Specimen Herb 2 m tall. Flower white except for labellum, which has some buttercup yellow and cherry areas in addition to white. Flower not fragrant (in afternoon). Lau, J. 1197 Oahu BISH 1985-07-08
48 Alpinia zerumbet East Maui, Kihei, Kamaole, Lioholo Pl Tropical exotic landscape with sandy soil. Associated vegetation: Stenotaphrum secundatum. Residential ornamentals: Filicium, Bougainvillea, palms. Preserved_Specimen Perennial erect ginger-like tussocks 2-4m ht; lvs non-variegated, fragrant, glabrous; fruit yellow opening to red, numerous black seeds. Starr, F. 206171 Maui BISH 2002-06-17
49 Alpinia zerumbet Lawai-Kai estate, lower Lawai valley. E of Lawai stream near boundary with PTBG Thanksgiving Pavilion. Cultivated as a hedge. Preserved_Specimen Stems arching to ca. 2.5 m high. Tepals white, flushed with pink near apex. Lobellum yellow with red patch in center; stamen yellow. Fay, J.J. 275 Kauai BISH 1975-01-15
50 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu Planted in garden. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8104 Oahu BISH 1930-07-08
51 Alpinia zerumbet Kawela Bay Growing in sandy loam. Preserved_Specimen Common ornamental herb to 6 ft. tall; with distinctive pink flower cluster. Afualo, D. 23 Oahu BISH 1975-02-27
52 Alpinia zerumbet West Maui, Lahaina, Puuki, Kealii Gulch Steep gulch slopes and along intermittent stream bed; Acacia, Metrosideros, Dicranopteris, Freycinetia, Kadua, Psychotria, Tibouchina, Clidemia, Dodonaea, Doodia. Preserved_Specimen To 2 m herb; flower white with yellow labellum with red lines. Oppenheimer, H.L. 30709 Maui BISH 2007-03-14
53 Alpinia zerumbet West side of Haena State Park between road and beach Along stream bank and abandoned taro patches. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1978-06-16
54 Alpinia zerumbet Sandy Beach County Park In full sun. Preserved_Specimen Growing in a loose clump; stems up to 2.5 m long; some erect, most leaning. Flower bracts and sepals white tipped with rose pink to crimson. labellum a combination of canary yellow and crimson. Flowers odorless (morning). Lau, J. 2140 Oahu BISH 1986-03-17
55 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu: Manoa Valley; University of Hawaii Manoa Campus, Gartley Hall Growing in partial shade. Preserved_Specimen Herb 2 m tall. Flower white except for labellum, which has some buttercup yellow and cherry areas in addition to white. Flower not fragrant (in afternoon). Lau, J. 1197 Oahu BISH 1985-07-08
56 Alpinia zerumbet Koei In neglected or waste area Preserved_Specimen Spreading vis seeds in serveral places; not landscaped or cultivated Oppenheimer, H.L. 91803 Lanai BISH 2018-09-27
57 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa, Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Growing in living collections. Preserved_Specimen Cory, C. 14 Oahu BISH
58 Alpinia zerumbet Hanalei, Haena Beach County Park, mauka side along Manoa Stream lowland secondary mesic forest; Aleurites moluccana, Syzygium cumini, Mangifera indica, Terminalia catappa, Schefflera actinophylla, Scindapus aureus Preserved_Specimen rhizomatous herb, pseudostems 2.5-3 m; leaves distichous, green, aromatic; flower bracts and tepals porcelain white with pink red margins, labellum yellow with red markings; fruit orange red Lorence, D.H. 8468 Kauai BISH 2000-03-18
59 Alpinia zerumbet East Maui, Kihei, Kamaole, Lioholo Pl Tropical exotic landscape with sandy soil. Associated vegetation: Stenotaphrum secundatum. Residential ornamentals: Filicium, Bougainvillea, palms. Preserved_Specimen Perennial erect ginger-like tussocks 2-4m ht; lvs non-variegated, fragrant, glabrous; fruit yellow opening to red, numerous black seeds. Starr, F. 206171 Maui BISH 2002-06-17
60 Alpinia zerumbet West Maui, Lahaina, Kahoma Stream Stream banks, shady slopes, and open, sunny ledges. Preserved_Specimen Thickets. Oppenheimer, H.L. 60718 Maui BISH 2007-06-19
61 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; 2365 Oahu Ave Preserved_Specimen 10 ft. tall. St.John, H. 10511 Oahu BISH 1930-04-27
62 Alpinia zerumbet Laie Temple grounds (front side) Preserved_Specimen Herbs; open flower cluster about a ft. long; bell-shaped flower (crowded). Leaves borne in 2 rows stems smooth except for hairy edges. Ernestburg, E. 9 Oahu BISH 1977-03-25
63 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; 2365 Oahu Ave Preserved_Specimen 10 ft. tall. St.John, H. 10511 Oahu BISH 1930-04-27
64 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa; Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden Preserved_Specimen Plant to approximately 12 ft.; inflorescence pendulous; sepals white; labellum yellow, speckled and stripped with red. Kirchoff, B.K. 89232 Oahu BISH 1989-05-24
65 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa; Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden Preserved_Specimen Plant to approximately 6 ft.; sepals and petals white with a tip of pink; labellum yellow stippled with red at center and solid red-pink on margins. Kirchoff, B.K. 89257 Oahu BISH 1989-05-24
66 Alpinia zerumbet Haleiwa; Waimea Arboretum & Botanical Garden Preserved_Specimen Cory, C. 13 Oahu BISH 1986-03-19
67 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; Univ. Hawaii, Manoa campus Preserved_Specimen Herb. Flower waxy-white tipped with pink, lip yellow with red veining. Fruit orange. Herbst, D.R. 593 Oahu BISH 1967-09-15
68 Alpinia zerumbet 2605 Lioholo Place, Kihei Volunteered in flower beds in Lee Altenberg's yard. Always in areas under some amount of irrigation. Preserved_Specimen Altenberg, L. Maui BISH 2002-05-15
69 Alpinia zerumbet Vancouver Highway Preserved_Specimen Fruit only, seen for the 1st time on the plants. Edmondson, C.H. Oahu BISH 1959-11-01
70 Alpinia zerumbet Honolulu; 42 Coelho Way Preserved_Specimen With fruit. Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1952-08-10
71 Alpinia zerumbet Koloa District; Lawai Valley. Maidenhair Falls Preserved_Specimen Stems up to 7 ft., lax; lvs variegated dark green and whitish-yellow, glossy above, below paler with slight sheen; infl drooping, peduncle whitish-pink; pedicels whitish-pink becoming yellowish-white at base; outer tepals waxy white with pink apex. (SEE LABEL FOR MORE DESCRIPTION). Flynn, T.W. 3880 Kauai BISH 1990-05-03
72 Alpinia zerumbet 95-731 Lauaki St, Mililani Preserved_Specimen The plant has around 10 other racemes with immature fruit. Altenberg, L. Oahu BISH 2002-08-04
Back to Top