The Tahitian Red Ginger, also called the Ostrich Plume, is originally from Malaya but can be found growing throughout the tropical Pacific region. This stunning plant is one of over 1,300 species of ginger that can be found around the world, though within the US the Red Ginger only grows in Hawai'i and Puerto Rico.
The Red Ginger can be found in colors from light pinks to deep reds. The plants grow slowly, producing no flowers for up to 3 years, and then quickly take off producing huge football sized flowers that bloom year round.
Each flower is actually a clump of red spikes that grow out of the end of a long, leafy green stalk. On a mature and happy plant the stalks can reach up to 15 feet tall, but most plants are around 6 to 7 feet in height.
Unlike most other flowers, the Red Ginger reproduces by new plants growing in the middle the old flowers, which weigh the flowers down to the ground. The new plants can be removed and planted for a fresh crop of Red Ginger.
While not a type of edible ginger, the Red Ginger are great as a cut flower and can be found in many Hawaiian tropical flower arrangements.
