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Kaempferia (Named after E Kaempfer)

(named after E. Kaempfer, 1651-1716, a German naturalist). Including Cienkowskia and Monolophus. ORD. Scitamineae. A genus comprising about eighteen species of ornamental stove herbaceous perennials, natives of tropical Africa and Asia. Flower-spikes on leafy stems, or on radical, scaly, terminal scapes; corolla tube elongated, exserted; lobes lanceolate, acute, equal, spreading or reflexed. Leaves small, or rather large, generally elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate. Kaempferias thrive in well-drained fibry loam and peat. During the growing season, they require an abundant supply of water; but when the leaves turn yellow, this should be almost entirely withheld, and the pots stowed away under staging, where no drip can reach them. When growth recommences, the plants should be shaken out and repotted.

K. Galanga (Galangale). fl. white, purple; external laciniae of corolla lanceolate-linear; lower inner lacinia divided into two obovate segments. August. l. ovate, sessile. h. 1ft. Cochin China, 1728. (B. M. 850.) K. Gilbertii (Gilbert's).* l. tufted, oblong-lanceolate, deep green; margin slightly undulated, and bordered by a broad and very conspicuous band of white. Moulmein, 1882. A very attractive and desirable variegated plant for which we are indebted to Mr. Wm. Bull. (G. C. n. s., xvii. 713.) K. ornata (adorned).* fl. yellow; disk orange. Summer. l. long-stalked, acute-lanceolate, shining deep green above with a broad silvery central band, purple beneath. Borneo, 1883. A handsome foliage plant. (I. H. 1884, 159.) K. Parishii (Parish's). fl. white, bright violet-purple. July. l. lanceolate, erect, pale green. h. 1ft. Moulmein, 1867. (B. M. 5763.) K. Roscoeana (Roscoe's). fl. white, few, fascicled, erect, sessile; segments obovate-obtuse. October. l. sub-orbiculate, acute, variegated above. h. 6in. Burmah, 1827. Plant stemless. (B. M. 5600.) K. rotunda (round). fl. white, reddish-violet, large, fragrant. July to August. l. oblong, coloured beneath. h. 1ft. India, 1764. (B. M. 920, 6054.)