Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora) J.C. Mikan, 1820 |
Synonyms: Stickmannia thyrsiflora |
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora is probably endemic to the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil, but introduced or escaped from cultivation elsewhere in the tropical Americas; also in Hawaii, South-East Asia, and Australia. In Brazil, it is found in lowland tropical forests. D. thyrsiflora is a perennial herb with upright, fleshy, stems, 90-180 cm in height. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, and spirally arranged. The violet-blue flowers, with 3 petals and sepals, are in showy terminal cymes, ca. 20 cm long. The fruit is an orange capsule.