Common Name: Shell ginger
Alpinia genus belongs to the ginger family and has more than representative 200 species. These plants are more often found in tropical and sub-tropical areas around South East Asia. They lack true stem and have psedostems and are rhizomatous perennials. They typically have long sheet like leafs which overlap and flowers are very bright and showy. This plant is often sold as an ornamental in India. It grows to around 6-7 feet high. The inflorescence is in the form of a terminal raceme subtended by two large bracts. The buds resemble shells and hence the local name Shell ginger. The bisexual flowers are showy in white or pink (perianth). Inside the throat of the flower it is dark yellow in color. Stems are typically underground. The leaf of the plant is edible and the plant as such is much valued for its varied medicinal properties.
