Shampoo Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet)

Description

Shampoo Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), also known as ‘Awapuhi’ in Hawai‘i, is a tropical, clump-forming perennial grown for its striking ornamental beauty, practical uses, and cultural significance. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, it thrives in warm, humid climates, favouring part shade and rich, moist, well-drained soils. In Australia, it is well-suited to tropical and subtropical gardens, or sheltered microclimates in temperate zones.

Shampoo Ginger produces lush, upright canes with long, glossy green leaves. In summer to early autumn, distinctive, bright red pinecone-like flower heads emerge. These flower heads fill with a fragrant, slippery liquid traditionally used as a natural shampoo and conditioner — simply squeezing the ripe flower cones releases the aromatic sap. This use is well-documented in Pacific Island cultures and remains popular today among natural living enthusiasts.

Medicinally, Shampoo Ginger has been used anecdotally to soothe skin irritations, moisturise the scalp, and even relieve minor digestive discomfort when prepared appropriately, although modern scientific research into its medicinal properties is limited.

In permaculture and regenerative gardens, Shampoo Ginger offers multiple functions: providing biomass, groundcover, soil stabilisation, and natural personal care products. It can also support biodiversity by attracting insects and creating shelter within its dense clumps.