Derived from the Greek zingiberi, a Latinization of an Indian word for root.
Herbs with tuberous aromatic rhizomes and leafy stems. Leaves 2-ranked, the sheaths open opposite the blades. Flower cluster terminal or lateral spike on a leafy stem. Flowers solitary in bracts. Sterile stamen lip petal-like and 3-lobed, the connective crested. Fruit a 3-valved capsule.
Division of rhizomes.
Commercial ginger is obtained from several species, chiefly Z. officinale.
Flower clusters on leafless shoots; anther crest surrounding the protruding style.
About 85 species from tropical Asia.
Source: (2005). Zingiberaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
