Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Zingiber ottensii is a tropical ginger native to southern Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, and parts of western Malesia. This ornamental species is admired for its striking foliage, which often has a bluish-green or purplish tint, and its attractive cone-like flower spikes that produce colorful bracts and blooms. Growing from underground rhizomes, it forms lush clumps that make an excellent addition to tropical gardens, shaded landscapes, and specialty plant collections. In its native range, the rhizomes have also been used in traditional medicine and occasionally for aromatic purposes.

Risks & Threats
Zingiber ottensii is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi and has not demonstrated invasive tendencies. While it can slowly spread by rhizomes to form larger clumps, it does not readily invade surrounding natural areas or spread aggressively by seed. As with many ornamental gingers, gardeners should plant it thoughtfully and manage clumps as needed to prevent overcrowding in cultivated landscapes. When grown responsibly, Zingiber ottensii is a beautiful and suitable choice for tropical gardens with little risk of negatively impacting Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Thailand
  
• Other Zingiber species are regarded as invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Seeds, if produced, may be dispersed by birds or other animals
  
• Spreads by rhizomes
  
• Limited ecological information makes accurate risk prediction difficult

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Seed production may be limited or absent, minimizing risk of long distance dispersal
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control