What's this plant?: SOLVED: What is this?

Replies: 13 Views: 155

Author	Comment
zotmahru Pensacola, FL November 07, 2009 04:23 PM	Transfered from a pot given to us a couple years back. In shade most of day with some afternoon sun (up to 4 or 5 hours during the summer months). Also what are those 2 small pine cone looking things down at the base? Thanks guys! View Larger
anapatty83 Managua Nicaragua November 07, 2009 04:48 PM	Zingiber spectabile
themoonhowl Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a) November 07, 2009 04:50 PM	That is called Pinecone ginger or shampoo ginger Zingiber zerumbet http://www.floridata.com/ref/Z/zing_zer.cfm
anapatty83 Managua Nicaragua November 07, 2009 05:14 PM	Hola Moon...Maybe you are right...I'm wrong I always thought that the difference is in the inflorescence. In Zingiber spectabilis the bracts are pale yellow in a young inflorescence, becoming red as it matures, especially if it gets some full sun. In Zingiber zerumbet the inflorescence is green until flowering.after flowering, the bracts change color. The color change continues upward until the entire inflorescence is bright crimson. http://toptropicals.com/pics/garden/m1/Podarki5/Zingiber_spe...
themoonhowl Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a) November 07, 2009 05:22 PM	Hola Anapatty. I was looking at the shape of the inflorescence...Z spectabilis seems to have less pointed inflorescences than Z zerumbet. I could also be mistaken....grin
anapatty83 Managua Nicaragua November 07, 2009 05:28 PM	Yes, that too ... and the apex ends in a point
anapatty83 Managua Nicaragua November 07, 2009 05:33 PM	I have of the two but my Zingiber zerumbet has variegated leaves. Now I see that there are also green foliage.
Metrosideros Keaau, HI November 07, 2009 07:56 PM	Hi Anapatty, your variegated shampoo ginger is the cultivar, Zingiber zerumbet 'Darceyi'.
themoonhowl Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a) November 08, 2009 10:01 AM	I have Z zerumbet and Z zerumbet 'darceyi', but not Z spectabilis....I need to find that one so I will be more familiar with them all. Grin
zotmahru Pensacola, FL November 08, 2009 12:32 PM	You guys are something! I'm going with "Spectabile" on this one. Since my wife and I have planted several plants "blind" (given to us by friends and family who don't remember what the plant was when they bought it) you guys have come through everytime when we have needed I.D.'s. Now we sound like the smart ones on the street. 'Course, we give ya'll all the props after a few minutes of "basking in the sun" so to speak. Moon, this is the 3rd or 4th plant you've chimed in on for us. You're good. Thanks again! Zot
themoonhowl Prairieville, LA (Zone 9a) November 08, 2009 12:36 PM	You are welcome Zot. You live in the same basic plant zone as me, and we have some plants in common....I may not always make a homerun, but at least I will always take a swing at it...lol
Metrosideros Keaau, HI November 08, 2009 01:12 PM	Going with Spectabile? The bracts look more like Zingiber zerumbet. Can you show a close-up of the bracts (cone).
zotmahru Pensacola, FL November 08, 2009 05:28 PM	Hey Metro. see attached. Zot View Larger
Metrosideros Keaau, HI November 08, 2009 05:46 PM	Hi Zot, The plant is definitely Zingiber zerumbet, Shampoo Ginger. Aloha, Dave