Leafy shoots to 2 m tall. Leaves linear-lanceolate, to 15 cm long, 2 cm wide, tips long-pointed, ligule with 2 lobes. Flower cluster ovoid in outline, 4-5 cm long, 2 cm wide on an erect stalk to 25 cm long. Bracts green. Flowers pale yellow. Lip entire, yellow and purple.

Asia (exact origin unknown)

The source of commercial ginger; it is grown extensively in Queensland.

 

Z. spectabile Griff. from Malaysia is occasionally offered.

Source: Spencer, R. (2005). Zingiberaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.