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