Kahili ginger

plant

Also known as: Hedychium gardnerianum, Kahili garland lily

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Kahili ginger, also known as Hedychium gardnerianum, is a plant native to northern India. It is cultivated for its long spikes of lemon-yellow flowers, which have bright red stamens. This plant is part of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa.12

While several species of ginger lily are used for garlands and decorations, Kahili ginger is considered a very aggressive invasive species in Hawaii and other areas outside its native range. The plant has fleshy, ginger-like rhizomes and leaves that are green above and bluish underneath.2

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ginger lily
Major species
Native to the Himalayas, Kahili ginger, or Kahili garland lily (H. gardnerianum), is grown for its large cylindrical clusters of showy yellow flowers. It is considered a very aggressive invasive species in Hawaii and other places outside its native range.
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Native to the Himalayas, Kahili ginger, or Kahili garland lily (H. gardnerianum), is grown for its large cylindrical clusters of showy yellow flowers. It is considered a very aggressive invasive species in Hawaii and other places outside its native range.
Read More