Torch Ginger
ExplorePlants
Torch Ginger
Etlingera elatior
Torch ginger is a stunning flower that looks like a torch! It has bright red or pink petals and loves to grow in warm places.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests
Appearance
The Torch Ginger has a spectacular, cone-shaped inflorescence resembling a flaming torch, often in fiery red, pink, or white hues. Its waxy, tightly overlapping bracts create a unique, sculptural form atop a tall, leafy stalk, making it visually distinct from typical flowers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumStreptophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderZingiberalesFamilyZingiberaceaeGenusEtlingera
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Its bright 'petals' are modified leaves called bracts, not true petals!
People use its large leaves to wrap food, acting like natural foil!
Sometimes called 'Philippine Waxflower' or 'Porcelain Rose' for its unique look!
The unopened flower buds taste like a mix of ginger and citrus, perfect for salads!
Special abilities
Ability
Fiery Beacon
Torch Ginger can produce vibrant, waxy, torch-like flowers that attract pollinators from afar.
Ability
Culinary Delight
Torch Ginger has edible flower buds and stalks used in Southeast Asian dishes for their unique flavor.
Ability
Rapid Riser
Torch Ginger can grow quickly, allowing it to reach sunlight in dense tropical forest environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 300-600 cm
- Spread
- 100-200 cm
- Flower Size
- 15-25 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round in tropical climates
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bird
Ecological connections
pollinates
Asian Honey Bee
Apis cerana
visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Olive-backed Sunbird
Nectarinia jugularis
sips nectar from the bright blooms.
eaten by
Malayan Tapir
Tapirus indicus
browses on its leaves and shoots.
Traits
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Torch Ginger?
The easiest way to identify Torch Ginger is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is Torch Ginger?
300-600 cm
How wide does Torch Ginger spread?
100-200 cm
How big are the flowers on Torch Ginger?
15-25 cm
When does Torch Ginger bloom?
Year-round in tropical climates
Is Torch Ginger edible?
Yes
Is Torch Ginger toxic?
None
What is Torch Ginger's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park22 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Allerton Garden
You might spot Brown Anole, Gold Dust Day Gecko, and Red-Crested Cardinal.
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Park13 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Ke'anae Arboretum
You might spot Torch Ginger, Red-Crested Cardinal, and African Tulip Tree.
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Park18 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
National Tropical Botanical Garden
You might spot Gold Dust Day Gecko, Sea Turtle, and Brown Anole.
View guide →
Zoo26 sightings12 species
Hawaii, US
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
You might spot Gold Dust Day Gecko, Sea Turtle, and Saffron Finch.
View guide →
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