Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm. 1972, commonly called Shell ginger, Shell flower, Light Galangal, Pink Porcelain Lily, Variegated Ginger or Butterfly Ginger, is a perennial, tropical plant, native to East Asia (China, Japan).

Even if the beautiful flowers are sometimes confused with orchid flowers, Shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and reach a height up to about 2,50 meter. The ginger plant is called shell ginger, because of its white-pink flower buds, which are reminescent of sea shells. The short-lasting flowers open successively. Leaves of Alpinia zerumbet are used for wrapping food, as a herbal tea and in nature medicine. Leaves and rhizomes have antioxidant contents and an anti-diabetic effect. Shell ginger plants require a warm to hot, humid tropical climate and a shady place. The plant doesn`t tolerate too much sun and drought.

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet)

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet)