Zingiber zerumbet

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Leaf blades oblanceolate or narrowly elliptical, 30–32 × 6–7 cm (smaller distally). Inflorescences erect, 7–11 × [3–]5–6 cm; bracts of main axis green when young, becoming red; proximal bracts reniform or very broadly ovate, concave, 2–3 × 3–4 cm, apex broadly rounded; distal bracts smaller but otherwise similar to proximal bracts, ca. 1 × 2 cm. Flowers: perianth and staminodes pale yellow.

Phenology: Flowering fall (Oct).
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: 50 m

Introduced; Fla., native, Asia (India and the Malay Peninsula).

Discussion

In Asia, the rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet are used as a spice in much the same way as those of Z. officinale. In North America, escaped populations are known only from two sites in Gainesville, Florida.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa