Curcuma macroclamys – This cute miniature ginger was another Gingerwood Nursery introduction from many years ago. At the time of introduction I was successful in identifying it to the genus Stahlianthus, which was completely unknown in the US. Later I was told it was Stahlianthus involucratus, and that is the name it has had for over 20 years of cultivation. The Stahlianthus part was right, but as it turns out it should have been Stahlianthus macrochlamys. This small group of species is poorly understood, and back then there was almost no information on them. Through new genetic research, several small genera closely related to Curcuma have been deemed to actually be just unusual members of the genus Curcuma and are now part of this larger genus. Curcuma macrochlamys is now the correct name for this adorable and easy to grow ginger.
Taxonomy aside, this plant is a great little foliage plant for the shade and medium sun gardens. It grows wild throughout Thailand and Laos and I’ve seen many colonies growing in full sun. It can spread very fast, but given the tiny size and tight clumping habit that translate to a clump a few inches wide! It basically looks like a Curcuma ‘Scarlet Fever’ but 1/100th the size. Red back leaves, red stems and a nice habit it make it a great little foliage plant to plant among Peacock gingers and other shade gingers. This is a spring blooming species that makes white flowers from small cup shaped inflorescences. They are interesting, but this plant is primarily grown for foliage. Despite is small size and tiny rhizomes it has been easily grown in Zone 8 for over two decades. Grows to 1 foot in shade to medium sun. Hardy in Zone 8 and above.