Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Globba sherwoodiana, commonly known as weeping goldsmith or padein gno, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. This perennial herb features striking clusters of bright yellow flowers that hang gracefully from arching stems, giving it a “weeping” appearance. Its lush green foliage adds ornamental value, making it popular in gardens, landscaping, and as a decorative potted plant. The plant thrives in warm, humid environments with partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Besides its ornamental appeal, it can also be used in floral arrangements and cultural displays due to its vivid, long-lasting blooms.

Risks & Threats
Globba sherwoodiana is considered a low-risk species in Hawaii. It does not exhibit aggressive spreading tendencies or traits that typically threaten native ecosystems. While it is a non-native plant, it generally remains contained in garden settings and does not compete strongly with local species. Gardeners and landscapers can safely enjoy its beauty without significant ecological concerns, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a visually striking, low-maintenance tropical plant.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Other Globba species may be weeds
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces vegetatively by rhizomes
  
• Seeds, if produced, might be dispersed by ants and intentionally by people
  
• Limited ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• May require specialized pollinators to produce seeds
  
• Seed production in cultivation may be limited or absent