Pseudostems well -developed, 1–2 m. Inflorescences terminating short stem with only scale leaves [projecting from side or tip of pseudostem], dense, conelike; bracts of main axis crowded, 1–3[–5], reniform or very broadly ovate [to lance-elliptical or lanceolate]; cincinni sessile, 1-flowered, enclosed in bracts; bracteoles small, inconspicuous, hidden by bracts. Flowers: calyx cylindric, shortly 3-lobed, split down one side; corolla tube cylindric, dilated distally, lobes lanceolate; filament short or nearly absent; anther enclosed within upper petal, not spurred, terminal appendage long; lateral staminodes absent or reduced to small teeth connate with lip, lip plane, entire, notched, or 3-lobed. Fruits capsule, ellipsoid. x = 11.

Distribution

North America, Mexico, Africa, n Australia, native, s Asia.

Discussion

The ginger of commerce, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is native to southeast Asia; it is commonly cultivated throughout the tropics, and most of the commercial supply now comes from Jamaica. Ginger seldom flowers or fruits in cultivation although plants are known to spread vegetatively in the vicinity of abandoned gardens in some tropical areas.

Species ca. 100 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Zingiber zerumbet