Native to Southeast Asia. The habit of Alpinia zerumbet is that of a rhizomatous perennial herb with tall, erect stems. The plant can reach a height of up to 10 feet. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, with prominent green and white stripes, creating an attractive variegated pattern. The inflorescence of Shell Ginger is cone-shaped and composed of showy, waxy flowers with hues of pink, yellow, red, and white. Photographed in Cali, Colombia.