Scaphochlamys scintillans

Scaphochlamys scintillans is a small, slow-growing ginger relative (Zinigberiacae) from Sarawak, Borneo (Malaysia). It has an underground rhizome from which elliptical leaves, about 10 to 15 cm long, emerge at short intervals. The leaves exhibit a velvety surface in the green areas, unique to Scaphochlamys , and have two shimmering, silvery longitudinal stripes. The flowers are typical of ginger relatives: relatively small, white with a yellow marking on the lip, and they only last a single day. They are borne very discreetly and are often not noticed at all. The velvety surface and the color of the green parts of the leaf are much more pronounced in low light. There are pictures of this species in the wild where the plants appear almost black because they grow in deep shade. Our plants are (unfortunately) not as colorful, as we provide them with slightly more light to encourage faster growth.



This plant is sometimes confused with Scindapsus , Homalomena , or even Alocasia , but it is not related to them. It is also sold under the name 'Ooi'. This is the name of the first author of the species description, Im Hin Ooi (Penang Botanic Gardens). He described this species, as well as 11 other Scaphochlamys from Borneo, together with Dr. Meekiong Kalu and Wong Sin Yeng in 2017. However, it is unclear why only his name is used as a subtitle for this species.



You will receive a fully grown, flowering plant in a 10.5 cm pot.