Etlingera elatior,also named Phaemoria magnifica,Phaemoria speciosa or Nicolaio elatior,belongs to the botanical family of the Zingeberaceae and is one of the most beautiful of all flowering tropical plants. The Torch ginger is native to tropical Asia.Its leafstalks are tall and can reach a height of 4-5 meters,growing from underground rhizomes. The torches itself,about 1 m.,also emerge from the ground on a long stalk.The most common form has bright red flowers,there is also a form with more pink flowers.The flowerheads are eaten raw in Malaysia,before the bracts begin to open.The Torch ginger likes full sun or light shade and rich,well drained soil,with plenty of water and protection from strong winds.
