Plant · GBIF taxon 2759896
Torch Ginger
Etlingera elatiorAlso known as Pink Torch Ginger, Red Ginger Lily, Bunga Kantan, Philippine Wax Flower
Torch ginger forms massive clumps of leafy pseudostems that rise up to six meters high in warm, humid understories. Its iconic flower heads emerge directly from the rhizomes on erect stalks, unveiling waxy pink or bright red bracts that resemble flickering flames. Sunbirds and insects frequently visit the dense inflorescences to feed on abundant nectar.
TropicalShowyPerennial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Spider mites
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat degradation
HabitatsTropical rainforests, humid lowlands, riverbanks, gardens
Life spanPerennial (10+ years)
Classification
- OrderZingiberales
- FamilyZingiberaceae
- GenusEtlingera
- SpeciesEtlingera elatior
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Optimal Viewing: Look for the towering cone-like flower heads in high-humidity tropical gardens.
- Protect Foliage: Refrain from cutting basal shoots or leaves in public botanical collections.
Close Relative Semnoz / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Kristof Zyskowski, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof Zyskowski · cc-by
Family Member (c) Greg III Espera, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Greg III Espera · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.