Shampoo Ginger Zingiber zerumbet

Wild Ginger is a clumping perennial that has reed-like stems and is native to tropical Asia. Liking a moist environment, it can be found growing in the wild near rivers, waterfalls and other water sources.   It is commonly grown as a houseplant or it does well in a container that can be brought indoors over the winter as it is not very frost tolerant.  Completely dormant in winter, it needs to be kept dry while dormant.  When growing in the ground in northern climates, remove from the soil and store in a paper bag and keep dry.  Adding potting soil or sawdust to the paper bag will insure no moisture will be present.  

Near the end of its growing season, the flowers emerge from the ground.  Starting out as a lime green cone shape.  Small blossoms emerge from between the green flower bracts.  After flowering, the bracts become a showy shade of red.  If harvesting for use as a shampoo, this is the time that a slippery liquid is exuded from the flowers.  This liquid has a soapy feeling and a ginger scent.

The trunk of this plant is formed by tightly packed overlapping leaf sheaths.  These fleshy pseudostems contain mostly water, but are sturdy.

Its leaves are used as a food wrap that will help keep fish moist while adding the flavor of ginger to the food.  

The oils from the rhizome is used in making perfumed soaps and other toilet articles. Ground into a powder, the dried rhizome is used as a perfume.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Typically free from diseases and pests.  Occasionally, whitefly and cardamom root grub can cause problems.  Spreading by rhizomes, this plant can become weedy.

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