Hedychium

J. Konig

in A. J. Retzius, Observ. Bot. 3: 73–74. 1783.

Etymology: Greek edys, sweet, and chion, snow, for the fragrant white flowers
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 22.

Pseudostems well -developed, 1–3 m. Inflorescences projecting from tip of pseudostem, dense, conelike [lax]; bracts of main axis crowded [not crowded], [2.5–]4–6[–7] cm, ovate to lanceolate [or almost circular]; cincinni sessile, [1–]2–3[–6]-flowered, enclosed in bracts; bracteoles small, inconspicuous, hidden by bracts. Flowers: calyx cylindric, 3-toothed or -lobed, split down one side [not split]; corolla tube slender, lobes linear; filament linear, tubular-incurved, enclosing style; anther long-exserted, not spurred, terminal appendage none; lateral staminodes large, petal-like, lip oblong, plane, 2-lobed. Fruits capsule, globose. x = 17.

Distribution

Introduced; North America, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, Australia, native, Asia and Madagascar.

Discussion

Species ca. 50 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

... more about "Hedychium"
Alan T. Whittemore +
J. Konig +
North America +, Mexico +, West Indies +, Central America +, South America +, Australia +, native +  and Asia and Madagascar. +
Greek edys, sweet, and chion, snow, for the fragrant white flowers +
in A. J. Retzius, Observ. Bot. +
Hedychium +
Zingiberaceae +