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An Exotic
World of Plants

The Plants
of the Palm House

Hedychium gardnerianum

English names: Kahili ginger, Kahila garland lily

Latin name: Hedychium gardnerianum

Family: Ginger - Zingiberaceae

Origin: India, Nepal, Bhutan

The Kahili ginger or Kahila garland lily is a perennial which grows up to 2.5 metres tall. The leaves are light green, found on opposite sides on long stems. Its pale yellow and red flowers are clustered in inflorescences above the leaves. Characterized by an intense fragrance, they appear at the end of the summer. Readily cultivated as a garden plant in countries with favourable climates, it became feral and spread aggressively. As a result, it is widely classified as an invasive plant.

Hedychium gardnerianum