It took me awhile before I found my first ‘awapuhi plant. When I first started my garden, I was really interested in finding all the Polynesian canoe plants. ‘Awapuhi is pretty easy to find, as it was a canoe plant, an ancient Polynesian introduction into Hawaii. Mature rhizomes are intensely bitter young rhizomes are not as powerful.Īsk a friend growing the plant for some rhizomes! I’ve seen this plant for sale at local nurseries, too. Shoots are spicy and consist of the still folded leaves as they emerge. In other words, it can be planted in places where most plants will not live. This plant will thrive in heavy shade and waterlogged soils. Plant it, let it grow and watch the flowers emerge.
If using as shampoo, you may or may not decide to rinse out the liquid dependent upon your desires. Milking may be done repeatedly if left on the plant. To utilize the liquid from the inflorescence: use a cup or jar and hand-squeeze the inflorescence until the juice comes out. Despite its tendency to spread, it has not been included on any invasive species lists and has been on the islands for over 1,000 years (i.e.: it’s generally not a problematic plant). ‘Awaphui can form dense thickets, so allow them to have a lot of space, or plan to manage them annually. From these rhizomes, the plant re-sprouts in spring, when the weather is ideal for them.
Like some other gingers, ‘awapuhi dies back annually to store its energy in its roots/rhizomes. This ginger relative grows to heights of about two to four feet. Perhaps the most well known use for ‘awapuhi is the inflorescence liquid as shampoo or conditioner for the hair and skin, as it provides a soothing, shiny and smoothing effect. The liquid from the inflorescence is drinkable. The rhizome has traditionally been used in medicinal applications as an anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, de-wormer, and for various types of pain management. The shoots, rhizomes and inflorescence liquid are all consumable. Zingiber zerumbet, ‘Awapuhi or Shampoo Ginger, is a perennial multipurpose herbaceous plant.
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