red ginger-lily

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• red ginger-lily
• scarlet ginger-lily
• Butterfly ginger
• Orange ginger lily
• Red Ginger Lily

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Hedychium carneum
• Hedychium longifolium
• Gandasulium coccineum
• Hedychium aurantiacum
• Hedychium coccineum var. carneum
• Hedychium coccineum var. longifolium
• Hedychium coccineum var. roscoei
• Hedychium coccineum var. squarrosum
• Hedychium roscoei
• Hedychium squarrosum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Hedychium coccineum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Zingiberales. Finally, it is a member of the family Zingiberaceae and is categorized under the genus Hedychium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across the Indian Ocean and parts of Asia. Within the Western Indian Ocean region, it can be found growing in Mauritius and Réunion. Its presence extends into China, where it inhabits the South-Central and Southeast territories. Additionally, the species is documented in the high-altitude region of Tibet. Consequently, the range of Hedychium coccineum covers both tropical islands and varied mainland climates.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Hedychium coccineum is characterized by its ability to thrive across a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from lowlands to montane regions. It is typically found inhabiting diverse forest environments where it occupies an elevational range starting from a minimum of 200 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 2100 m AMSL. This wide distribution suggests an adaptability to varying climatic conditions and soil types found within these different topographical zones. Within these habitats, the plant often flourishes in moist, shaded, or semi-shaded forest understories, where the humidity and soil moisture levels support its rhizomatous growth habit and lush vegetative development.

Elevational range max:

2100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Hedychium coccineum is characterized by its classification as a geophyte, a life form that relies on underground storage organs to survive unfavorable environmental conditions. This perennial strategy allows the plant to persist through dormant periods, utilizing its fleshy rhizomes to store essential nutrients and moisture. During favorable growing seasons, the plant emerges from these subterranean structures to develop lush, upright foliage and striking inflorescences. The life cycle is driven by the seasonal availability of water and light, with the rhizomatous system providing a robust mechanism for both vegetative propagation and long-term survival in its natural habitat. Through this geophytic approach, the species effectively manages the transition between active growth phases and periods of environmental stress, ensuring its continued presence in the ecosystem.

Life form :

geophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Hedychium coccineum is characterized by a non-woody growth form, specifically functioning as a perennial herb. It is a terrestrial plant, neither aquatic nor semiaquatic, and it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, remaining strictly grounded in its habitat. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, relying on its own nutrient uptake rather than a host. In terms of its structural support, the plant is self-supporting, lacking the climbing or vining habits of lianas or obligate climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Hedychium coccineum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include BORNYL ACETATE, Para-cymene, Terpin-4-ol.

BORNYL ACETATE

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Para-cymene

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Terpin-4-ol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity