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Hedychium
spicatum
Hedychium spicatum
is a variable species and one of the hardiest and most floriferous for
the open garden. Hedychium spicatum is not the most spectacular
of Hedychium but some forms have great presence in the garden. All of
the forms seem to have slightly scented white flowers shading to yellow
and then deep orange at the base of the labellum. Height at flowering
varies from a little less than 1 m to 2 m depending on form and
location. Hedychium spicatum remains of interest after
flowering. It tends to set seed readily and when ripe the green seed
capsules burst open to reveal orange linings with the seeds enclosed in
bright red arils.
In India the
fragrant rhizomes of H. spicatum are a considerable item of
trade. The dried rhizomes are burned as incense and a powdered form
called "abir" is used for perfuming a tobacco that is chewed in paan
rather than smoked. An essential oil derived from the rhizomes is used
in perfumery but also has antibiotic properties. Floor mats are made
from the foliage after it has desiccated at the onset of winter.
Hedychium spicatum
has a
large natural range from Kumaun to the west of Nepal east to Guizhou
in China and inevitably varies somewhat in character across its
range. The species is relatively common in nature and its prominent
seed capsules make it an obvious target for seed collectors.
Hedychium spicatum has been collected many times in the wild and a
number of forms are available. Some forms are confused with H.
yunnanense and H. forrestii in the nursery trade.
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