Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) is another beautiful, aromatic, ginger plant introduced to Hawaii. Originally from the Himalaya region, the Kahili’s stocks grow four to eight feet high with large green leaves and the flowers are bright yellow with a long, red stamen.
This ginger gets its name from the Hawaiian word “kahili” meaning “feather standard, symbolic of royalty” that was used on top of ali’i staffs. The flower blooms in the autumn and is a good signal of the fall season.
The plant grows wild and is remarkably invasive, causing locals and authorities to use ongoing control efforts. It can be found anywhere from the beach to a few thousand feet up the mountain.
