At least three different coinage of gingers ( Zingiber spp . ) grow unfolding structures that resemble pine cones . Botanically speaking , these cones are mention to as a eccentric of cone cell - form florescence ring a " strobilus . " overlap rows of waxy bract house the true petite flower , which last only a few days , but the colorful bracts persist for weeks or calendar month . These gingers are all tropic , herbaceous plants suitable for growing outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture wintertime hardiness geographical zone 9 and quick .
Types
Three gingers that bring forth the cone - similar strobili complex body part are the beehive or pine cone shape gingerroot ( Zingiber spectabile ) , crazy or bitter ginger ( Zingiber zerumbet ) and the jewel pagoda ( Zingiber neglectum ) . Each is seasonally dormant , even in the warm tropical zone . Dry conditions , mainly in the winter month , or " ironic season , " cause foliation to wither and re-emerge only when rainfall and warmth increase in spring or summer , the " rainy time of year . "
Origins
These gingers are native to tropical southerly Asia . Pine cone ginger herald from Malaysia and southern Thailand . Southern India and Sri Lanka are the potential aboriginal range of wild ginger , accord to Kirsten Albrecht Llamas , author of " Tropical Flowering Plants . " Wild powdered ginger has been wide cultivated across tropical Asia to obscure its descent . Jewel pagoda is indigenous only to Indonesia ’s island of Java .
Flowering Features
Each of these three gingers produces its cone in the affectionate and rainy summer month . Hidden by the tall leafy stems , the flowering stem emerges from the underground rootstalk and grows only 12 to 20 inches tall . The lead on the stalk swells as it develops into the strobilus , forming cupped bract in a loose to tightly bound cone - like complex body part . Pine cone ginger ’s bracts are golden yellow and then age to red ; its true flowers are bloodless with purple - brown and yellow spots . risky ginger ’s bract are green while the on-key pale yellow flowers appear . After the flowers drop , the bracts become bright red . Jewel pagoda ’s bract are light-green as the flowers , which are lawful translucent white with purple spots , open . The curled bract then sour ruby . In all these gingers , the strobilus remain for months , gradually dry out and then tip over once the ironic season dormancy set out .
Growing Requirements
Plant these gingers in a fertile sand or crumbly loam soil that is rich in organic matter . The soil must be well - draining . They need partial sun to fond refinement conditions , such as that of shifting lightness under tall trees . Water and inseminate the plants freely from spring to fall , when foliage and flowers appear and are actively grow . Once leaf of course begins to yellow and dry in belated tumble , cease fertilizing on the whole , and taper off watering so that the plant rests dormant underground in teetotal soil conditions . The rootstock are protect from wintertime frosts while underground or are further insulated with a loggerheaded layer of dry mulch . If wintertime temperature on a regular basis drop below the 15- to 20 - level Fahrenheit range , consider travail up rootstalk to overwinter indoors in a crate of shredded newspaper in a cool , dry position .
Uses
These ginger that produce the retinal cone - like flower make beautiful tropical emphasis plant in a mixed tropical perimeter . As commend by Kirsten Albrecht Llamas , consider set them on a raised slope or atop a retaining bulwark for the best viewing of the unforesightful flower stalks under the flora go out . They make excellent , long - last slice flowers for arrangement or posy , stomach about two week if water is exchanged day by day in the vase .
