Alpinia purpurata is an evergreen, herbaceous, perennial plant producing a clump of leafy stems 3 - 4 metres tall from an underground, creeping rhizome.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. Widely grown as an ornamental in the tropics, the flower is often used in the cut flower industry.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Disturbed moist forest, old gardens, trail sides as well as along streams; at elevations up to about 500 metres.

Cultivation Status

Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in light shade.
Requires a moist, fertile soil.
Widely cultivated as an ornamental, the plant has become naturalized in many areas.
It is considered to be invasive in many Pacific islands, including Fiji and Hawaii.
Plants can flower all year round.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The fruit is used to treat sores.
A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of stomach complaints.

Agroforestry Uses

The nectar of this flower is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Division of the rhizome.