Cheilocostus speciosus (Crepe Ginger) is a perennial, herbaceous plant native to India, Taiwan, Malaysia, and southern China. Crepe Ginger is widely grown for its medicinal and ornamental value in sub-tropical and tropical climates. In temperate regions, the plant is grown indoors as a houseplant and succeeds without much light.
In its native regions, the rhizome of Crepe Ginger is used to treat fevers, headaches, rashes, asthma, and bronchitis.
Other common names include Malay Ginger, Spiral Flag, Wild Ginger, or Cane Reed.
The white crepe-like flowers usually bloom just after the rainy season. Leaves are velvet to the touch and the branches tend to grow in a spiral formation (see pictures).
This particular species has become a popular ornamental in subtropical and tropical regions around the world.
Growth
Cheilocostus speciosus is a fast growing, perennial plant that reaches a compact height of 2 metres (6 feet). It thrives in shady, moist locations in tropical climates. In ideal conditions, Crepe Gingers can reach flowering stage in less than twelve months. Flowers are white and bloom atop of red bracts that grow on the end of long stems.
The plant spreads by rapidly growing young shoots from the bottom which can reach 1 metre in width by their second year. If grown in garden beds Crepe Ginger has the potential to out compete all the other plants.
Crepe Gingers are pollinated by a range of insects including bees, ants and even flies.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Costaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well-draining.
LOCATION:
Part Shade to Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (6 feet)
pH:
5.5 to 7. 5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High
POLLINATION:
Bees, Birds, Flies and Ants.
MATURITY:
12-24 months
GERMINATION RATES:
70-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-6 weeks, dependent on conditions.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 80 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Not in Australia
FACTS ABOUT CHEILOCOSTUS SPECIOSUS (Crepe Ginger)
Crepe Ginger is mentioned in the Kama Sutra as a cosmetic ingredient that is used on eyelashes to increase sexual attraction.
The stems are edible and have a watery taste with a hint of ginger.
Malaysians consider it to be a magical plant that works on evil spirits that have possessed the body!
