Leaf Sheath
The lower part of a leaf that encircles
and protects a stem, usually tubular in shape. |
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Bract
A modified leaf associated with flowers, fruits and cones.
Bracts usually protect buds or are modified to look like petals. |
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Axil
The junction between a leaf and the stem.
Both vegetative and flower buds are usually found in leaf axils. |
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| Family |
Zingiberaceae |
| Name |
Etlingera elatior |
| Common Names |
Torch Ginger, Bunga Kantan |
| Featured Plant |
August 2007 |
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This is a relation of the table ginger and comes from South East Asia.
The stems, like most gingers, are made up of rolled up leaf bases and sheaths, and grows rather large, around 3-4 metres.
The flowers appear at the base of the stems.
Each "flower" is actually made up of colourful bracts arranged in a cone, the real flowers are small and appear in the bract axils.
The flower buds are used as a spice in South East Asian cooking.
The fresh bud is typically thinly sliced and either added to cooking or used as a garnish.
Whole buds, crushed, are sometimes used.
Warning A double storey heated greenhouse is requied to successfully grow and flower this plant.
It is not recommended for the typical home garderner.
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Flower
