Scientific Name
Alpinia spp.
Common Name
Shell ginger, shell flower, ginger lily

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Zingiberaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herbs with aromatic rhizomes; leaves in two ranks on a reed-like stem; flowers in a terminal cluster, each with 3-lobed tubular calyx and 3 waxy petals, white, yellow, pink, or red.
Origin
Australasia.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape, as cultivated herbaceous ornamental where hardy outdoors.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
Leaves, stems, roots.
Symptoms
Skin and eye irritations upon contact with cell sap. Cardiac effects upon ingestion.
Toxic Principle
Unknown.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species