Kahili ginger

• Perennial plant 1-2m tall.
• Leaves are alternate, ovate-elliptic, 20-60cm long, 8-18cm wide.
• Flowers are produced in attractive spikes 12-45cm long.
• Flowers are lemon-yellow with conspicuous red stamens.
• Seed heads are bright red when mature, 1.5-1.8cm long.

• Prefers wet habitats and fertile soils between sea level and 1700m.
• Known to invade rainforests, mountain forests, agricultural areas, coastland, disturbed areas, natural forests, planted forests, range/grasslands, riparian corridors, scrub/shrublands, urban areas and wetlands.

• Occurs in South East Queensland and Far North Queensland.

• Observed to live for 70 years with no signs of dying out.
• Flowers year-round.

Environmental

• Forms dense stands.
• Suppresses recruitment of native trees and displaces native understorey plants.
• Changes structure and character of native rainforest vegetation.

• Seed spread by birds.
• Also spread by dumping of unwanted plants.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Physical control

• Dig out plant including rhizomes.

Herbicide control

• For more information on herbicide control of gingers, visit  Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Kahili ginger is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with kahili ginger under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• It must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• At a local level, each local government agency must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Kahili ginger. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.