Cardamom Leaf Ginger RHIZOME – Shellflower – Dwarf Cardamom – Alpinia Nutans – Heirloom Evergreen Perennial

Description

Cardamom Leaf Ginger RHIZOME – Shellflower – Dwarf Cardamom – Alpinia Nutans – Heirloom Evergreen Perennial

Cardamom Leaf Ginger – Alpinia Nutans – Heirloom is a hardy evergreen perennial from the ginger family. It forms good-sized clumps relatively quickly and it grows up to 1m in height. The evergreen foliage is very attractive and can give a tropical feel. It can be used for a variety of purposes and like all of the Alpinias family, it has many health benefits and is widely used in traditional medicine. When crushed, the leaves have a very distinct cardamom fragrance. The leaves can be used in desserts, and salads, to flavour steamed rice, or to wrap fish. The highly aromatic leaves can be used in tea, to make tinctures or infused oils.

Alipnia nutans is an easy-to-grow plant, that loves semi-shade and little to moderate watering. Alpinia nutans is drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. It can be grown as a 1m tall screen. The better the soil, the quicker and better it grows. All my plants grow happily in at least slightly raised garden beds. Even if it is just 15-20cm above the ground level, it makes a huge difference! This is not the plant that produces cardamom pods.

Planting and growing tips:

1. Planting and growing tips:
   1. Plant into a larger pot or straight to the ground.
   2. Part shade growing position is best. Expect a few burned leaves if grown in full sun.
   3. Watering straight after planting is essential! From then on, regular watering until the plant establishes is highly recommended.
   4. It doesn’t like to sit in water so a well-drained position is best. All our edibles grow happily and quickly in slightly raised garden beds.
   5. The plant will grow and expand very quickly depending on the growing conditions. It may struggle in winter when the temperature falls below 0°C but it will wake up again in spring. Cut all sad-looking leaves near the ground to give more space for the new shoots—harvest as required.
   6. Separating the plant periodically will encourage new growth and new plants can be grown from divided rhizomes.

   Additional notes:

   • The price is for one rhizome, similar to the one in the image, coming from my plant, naturally grown with love in my permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven QLD Australia. Sending within Australia only. Not to Norfolk Island, NT, SA, TAS or WA. Pick up by appointment only.
   • We usually dispatch on Monday to make sure the plant arrives at your place before the weekend.
   • Do your research before trying any new foods. Please also note our disclaimer in the footer of this page.