The Zingiberaceae of Malaysia: Diversity, Distribution, and Taxonomic Status - Halijah Ibrahim (Speaker)
Dr. Halijah gave an overview of the gingers of Malaysia. Malaysia is the richest area for gingers in the world, and despite extensive studies of Zingiberaceae in this area, new species and forms are being regularly discovered. Slides of several species were shown, including the variety of colors of Etlingera elatior. I noted that Boesenbergia aurantiaca has particularly ornate foliage. There is also a short Alpinia that may have value as an ornamental - A. vitalina. (not confused with A. vittata).
She also mentioned that they have experimented with Globba species, cutting off the terminal infl. and it caused radical (basal) infl to be formed. She believes that physiological change can induce flowering from the rhizome vs. terminal on the pseudostem. She has also observed both terminal and radical flowers on the same plant.