Ginger Lily Renealmia
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Ginger Lily:
Previously known as:
- Tillandsia
- Phonetic Spelling
- al-PIN-ee-ah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Ginger Lilly is a genus of perennial herb with aromatic rhizomes in the ginger family and native to tropical Africa and tropical South America. The genus contains up 80 species that typically have leaves with a fragrant gingerly scent. The inflorescences are basal (produced from the base of the plant) or terminal (on ends of the stems) with colorful bracts that are often hard and waxy, resembling a pineapple. They can range from 5 inches to 1 foot tall. The foliage is light green and wavy on the edges with a very gingery scent when crushed.
Ginger Lilly species are a tropical plant and are not cold hardy.
Ginger Lilly species are commonly used as houseplants or in an interiorscapes. In appropriate tropical climates, they can be cultivated as herbaceous ornamentals outdoors.
Ginger Lilly species are often used for spices and herbs. However, scientists have determined that the plants may contain poisonous compounds and consumption of the plant is highly discouraged.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Renealmia
- Family:
- Zingiberaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Fruits and tubers are used for indigenous dyes.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Latin America, West Indies, and tropical Africa.
- Distribution:
- Britain, Queensland Australia, southern United States.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herb
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- Bracts
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are in a basal or terminal cluster, each with 3-lobed tubular calyx and 3 hard and waxy petals or bracts (white, yellow, pink, or red).
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are in two ranks on a reed-like stem, light green and wavy on the edges with a very gingery scent when crushed.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- reed-like
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Specimen
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Poisonous through ingestion or dermatitis. (Poison parts: Leaves, stems, roots). Symptoms may include skin and eye irritations upon contact with cell sap; cardiac effects upon ingestion.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Unknown
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Leaves
- Roots
- Stems
