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Spiked Shade Ginger
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Spiked Shade Ginger

Cautleya spicata

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameSpiked Shade Ginger
DescriptionHardy ginger relative with spikes of yellow flowers emerging from red bracts in late summer. Unlike tropical gingers, thrives in cool shade and temperate climates. Native to Himalayan mountains, one of few gingers hardy to freezing temperatures. Attractive lance-shaped leaves provide lush foliage all summer. Dies back in winter, regrows from rhizomes in spring. Easy to grow in woodland gardens.
FamilyZingiberaceae
GenusCautleya
TribeZingibereae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ K(3) C(3) A1 G(3)

Ebracteate (but showy bracts present), zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), bisexual, 3 fused sepals forming tube, 3 fused petals (one modified as lip), 1 fertile stamen (plus sterile staminodes), 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary. Typical of Zingiberaceae family

Features
  • Named after Major General Sir Proby Cautley, British engineer in India. About 6 Cautleya species, all Himalayan. C. spicata most common in cultivation. Called 'Hardy Ginger' - survives freezing unlike tropical gingers. Related to turmeric and culinary ginger but not edible. Flowers arranged in spikes (hence 'spicata')
  • Flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, yellow, tubular with 3 lobes. Emerge from red to maroon bracts arranged in upright spikes 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall. Bracts provide color even after flowers fade. Blooms late summer-fall (August-October). Each spike has 10-20 flowers opening sequentially
  • Herbaceous perennial growing from rhizomes. Lance-shaped leaves 6-12 inches long, bright green, arranged alternately on stems. Foliage resembles canna or calla lily. Flower spikes rise above or among leaves. Dies back to ground after frost. Rhizomes dormant in winter, regrow in spring
  • Grows 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall in bloom. Spread 12-18 inches, slowly expanding. Lifespan many years from rhizomes. Propagated by division of rhizomes (spring) or seed. Divide every 3-4 years. Blooms second year from division. Slow to moderate growth rate
  • Native to temperate Himalayas - Nepal, Bhutan, northern India, Tibet, southwestern China. Grows in mountain forests, shaded slopes at 6,000-10,000 feet (1,800-3,000 m) elevation. Cool, moist mountain habitat. Now cultivated in temperate gardens worldwide
  • Requires partial to full shade (2-4 hours sun maximum). Needs cool, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Regular watering - keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Hardy zones 7-9. Protect from hot afternoon sun and drying winds
  • Excellent for shade gardens, woodland gardens, borders. Provides late-season color when many plants finished. Attracts hummingbirds and bees. Deer resistant. Good companion for hostas, ferns, astilbes. Rhizomes not invasive - well-behaved spreader. Low maintenance once established
  • Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep in spring. Fertilize lightly in spring with organic fertilizer. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. Divide when clumps become crowded. Mulch in cold zones for winter protection. Very easy care - thrives with minimal attention. Symbolizes exotic beauty in cool climates

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificCautleya spicata
English (Alternate)Cautleya spicata, Himalayan Ginger, Spiked Ginger Lily
Hindiकपूरकचारी संधारलिका (kapoorakachaaree sandhaaralika), सफ़ेद हल्दी (safed haldee)
Tamilபூலாங்கிலங்கு (Pūlāṅkilaṅku), சீமை கிச்சிலி கிழங்கு (Cīmai kiccili kiḻaṅku)
Teluguకచురాలు (Kacurālu), గంధ కచురాలు (Gandha Kachuralu)
Malayalamകാച്ചോലം (kaacholam), കച്ചൂരം (kacchooram)
Kannadaಗಂಧಸತಿ (Gandhasati), ಸೀನಕಚೋರಾ (Seenakachora), ಕಚೋರಾ (Kachora), ಕಚ್ಚುರಾ (Kacchura)
Sanskritशति (shati), गन्ध पलाशी (gandh palashi), गन्धमूलिका (gandhamulika), गन्ध सति (gandh sati)
Bengaliদোলনচাঁপা (Dolon chapa)
FrenchGingembre papillon
RussianКолосистая имбирная лилия (Kolosistaya imbirnaya liliya)
Spanishblanca mariposa, caña de ambar
GermanSpiked Ginger Lily, Perfume Ginger

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.