A herb, attaining a height of about 4 metres, this native ginger is found in the rainforests of lowland tropical Queensland.

Native Cardamon - Hornstedtia scottiana - Photo by Bill Hinton

The broad, dark-green leaves may measure almost a metre in length and 10-12cm in width. The plant suckers from creeping woody rhizomes and develops into a loose clump.

The small bright red flowers form in a spike about 12cm high at the base of the plant. The fruits develop within the protection of the silvery-red bracts, each containing numerous white seeds with an aril coating.

Mature fruits are a great favourite with several species of birds and animals which dwell in the rainforest. The fruits may be eaten raw, but they are a bit like a mouthful of ratshot with a pleasant ginger flavour.

NATIVE CARDAMON is a most attractive plant for a shaded situation in the garden.