Alpinia zerumbet (shell ginger, "Getto")

Japanese name: ゲットウ （月桃）
Scientific name: Alpinia zerumbet

[Overview]
An evergreen perennial 2–3 m tall.
It has a rhizome.
Several leaves are borne in two rows, and the leaf sheaths wrap around and overlap to form a pseudostem.
The leaves are lanceolate, 30–60 cm long and 5–10 cm wide, with pointed tips.
Both surfaces of the leaves are hairless, and the margins have many brown hairs.
The ligule is also densely hairy.
A spike 20–30 cm long emerges from the tip of the pseudostem; the end of the inflorescence hangs down, and the inflorescence axis has brown hairs.
The flowers are 4–5 cm long, and a single staminode develops into a petal-like structure and is conspicuous.
The staminode, which spreads like a lip, is yellow with red spots and streaks.
The bracts enclosing the flowers are oval, 2–2.5 cm long, and white with red-tinged tips.
The fruit is ovoid, about 2 cm long, ripens red, and has lengthwise ridges and hairs on the surface.
The calyx remains at the tip of the fruit.

[Uses]
The seeds are called Shirode-izu-shukusha and are used medicinally and in cooking.
The leaves are used to wrap food.
The fibers were made into cords for tying up loads.
An essential oil can also be obtained.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
It prefers sun to partial shade and soil that is well drained and retains moisture.
During the period of strong direct sunlight in midsummer, partial shade is better.
For potted plants, from spring to autumn water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and keep on the dry side in winter.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Misting the leaves with a sprayer is beneficial.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

[Notes]
The Japanese name is the on'yomi (Sino-Japanese) reading of the Chinese name getto (月桃).

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