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Hedychium coronarium J. König

Family Name:	Zingiberaceae
Common Name:	Butterfly Ginger, Garland Flower, White Ginger, Ginger Lily, Gandasuli, White Ginger Lily, 姜花

Full Sun

Semi Shade

Lots of Water

Moderate Water

Butterfly Host Plant

Herb or Spice

Fragrant Plant

Ornamental Flowers

Ornamental Leaves

Herbaceous Plant

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition

Autotrophic

Native Distribution	Himalayas to China
Native Habitat	Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal

Local Conservation Status

Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Growth Form	A perennial rhizomatous herb grows about 1-2.5 m tall. Able to form dense colonies.
Foliage	Leaves are oblong to lanceolate, measuring around 30-60 cm long, arranged alternately in two opposite rows along the stalk.
Stems	The pseuduostem is erect and unbranched.

Flowers	The butterfly-like flowers are white with a yellow tinted lip. The fragrant flower has a gardenia-like scent. Fruits: Seed pods are bright orange, split when mature, releasing red seeds.
Cultivation	It is considered invasive in some countries. Requires full sun to partial sun light. Prefers fertile, organic rich, well-drained soil.
Ethnobotanical Uses	Food (Herb and Spice) Medicinal: The mashed stem is used to treat cuts and swellings. The ground rhizome can be used to treat fever. Seeds are also aromatic, used to relieve flatulence problems. Traditionally, the rhizome and stems are used to relieve headache. Others: The aromatic essential oil from the flowers is used to make perfumes, soaps and other cosmetic products. The native Hawaiians uses the juice of mature seed head as a shampoo and conditioner for hair. The juice is said to be able to soften and bring shine to the hair.

Desirable Plant Features	Fragrant (Flowers), Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses	General, Parks & Gardens
Thematic Landscaping	Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna	Caterpillar Food Plant
Pollination Method(s)	Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal	Biotic (Fauna)

Light Preference	Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference	Lots of Water, Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance	Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils

Propagation Method

Seed, Division

Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio

3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot)

Flower Location

Terminal

Mature Fruit Colour(s)	Orange, Yellow / Golden

Images

Master ID	767
Species ID	2062
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.