TORCH GINGER (Nicolaia Elatior / Phaeomeria Speciosa)
Known as "bunga kantan" by the Malays, this spectacular member of the ginger family is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. The leaf and flower stalks emerge separately from underground tubers. The leaf stalk can grow as tall as 5 meters while the pyramidal flower head rises about 1 meter. Colored bracts protect the small tubular flowers and open outwards to expose them, resulting in a rounded creation that at first glance looks artificial. The most common form has bright red flowers though there is another with pink blossoms. Before the bracts begin to open, it is often harvested and eaten raw in Malaysia and Singapore.
Do you know .... the finely shredded flower with it's aromatic fragrance is what gives the local fruit salad "rojak" the oomph factor.
Do you know .... the finely shredded flower with it's aromatic fragrance is what gives the local fruit salad "rojak" the oomph factor.