Dichorisandra thyrsiflora (blue ginger)

Japanese name: ブルージンジャー
Scientific name: Dichorisandra thyrsiflora

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial 0.9–1.8 m tall, occasionally reaching 2.4 m.
Ovoid rhizomes grow in a series and form colonies.
The stem is erect and fleshy.
The leaves are simple and alternate in a spiral, broadly lanceolate, about 20–30 cm long and 5 cm wide, with a glossy upper surface, pointed tips and entire margins.
The leaf base forms a sheath.
It flowers all year round if the temperature is high enough.
A raceme about 20 cm long at the stem tip bears many blue-purple flowers densely.
The flowers are 3-petaled, about 2 cm across, with 6 stamens and yellow anthers.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Uses]
In its native range, the whole plant is used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by cuttings, or by division.
To overwinter, it needs an environment that stays at 12 degrees or above.
It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and high air humidity; a site in full sun from autumn to spring and in partial shade in summer is suitable.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; keep it on the dry side in winter.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil or liquid fertilizer.
Scale insects can occur.

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