Diversity and Application of Ornamental Gingers in Tropical Horticulture
Ankon Mandal *
Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The ornamental members of Zingiberaceae and Costaceae are distinguished by their foliage, inflorescences and varied plant forms. This review brings together information on their diversity, uses in tropical horticulture, commercial prospects and conservation requirements. The principal genera considered are Curcuma, Alpinia, Etlingera, Hedychium, Globba, Kaempferia, Zingiber, Boesenbergia, Larsenianthus, Costus, Tapeinochilos, Monocostus and Dimerocostus. Differences in flower colour, bract development and foliage appearance account for their suitability for cut flowers and foliage, container cultivation and ornamental landscapes. They are used in floral displays and in garden designs involving borders, screening, large groups of plants and fragrant planting. Some also grow under partial shade, allowing their inclusion in selected plantation environments. Uses beyond ornamentation include the consumption of flowers and other plant parts in traditional dishes and the production of essential oils, dyes and fibres. Studies have further examined their phytochemicals, their possible role in active food packaging and their use in phytoremediation of wastewater; the strength of the evidence depends on the species and application concerned. Considerable diversity occurs across tropical areas, including India, but shortages of planting material and insufficient recognition of ornamental value restrict commercial expansion. Habitat destruction and removal of plants from the wild create additional pressures on natural populations. Consequently, wider horticultural use needs to be accompanied by better propagation practices, systematic documentation and conservation.
Keywords: Diversity, application, cut-flower, cut-foliage, landscape plant, phytochemicals