Frost hardy edible 5 seed Alpinea caerulea "Red back ginger"

"Red Back Ginger"

5 seed

Alpinea caerulea cv 'Red Back'

An evergreen, clumping plant that grows 2m (6ft) with a spread of 1m (3ft) and prefers to grow in humus-rich, damp soil in a shady protected position. The leaves are bright green with red underside, the flowers are red and carried in terminal clusters in Spring and the fruit is blue globular berries about 1cm across.

The Aborigines used top eat the seeds of this plant. The young tips are tender with a distinctive ginger flavour. They can be used in salads and are quite tasty mixed with dried fruit.

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