Alpinia officinarum

Native from southeastern China to Vietnam, this perennial ginger grows from long, creeping rhizomes and usually reaches about 1 to 4 feet tall. Narrow leaves line its upright stems, while terminal clusters bear white flowers with red streaks on the broad lip. Rounded seed capsules ripen red. Its strongly aromatic, pungent rhizomes are a source of galangal oil used in flavorings, perfumes and drinks such as ginger ale. It has been introduced to Cambodia and Myanmar. Photographed in Florida.