Kahili Ginger / Hedychium gardnerianum

This photo was taken in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo, on 14 October 2014.

“Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili Ginger, Ginger Lily (Aust.)) is a plant native to the Himalayas in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. It grows to 8 ft (2.4 m) tall with long, bright green leaves clasping the tall stems. The very fragrant pale yellow and red flowers are held in dense spikes above the foliage.

Hedychium gardnerianum is the most widely cultivated Hedychium species as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It prefers a warm tropical climate, although it can thrive in sub-tropical and temperate regions by tolerating light, infrequent frosts.

The plant is a serious invasive species in certain areas. It is known as 'wild kahili ginger' and is listed as a weed of concern on conservation land in New Zealand, Hawaii and the Azores. It has been recognized as one of "The World's 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species" by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG).” From Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedychium_gardnerianum