Kaempferia pulchra (Peacock Ginger)

Native from southern Thailand to northern Peninsular Malaysia, this compact perennial herb belongs to the ginger family. Broad, oval to elliptical leaves display alternating gray-green, olive, and bronze bands. A small underground rhizome produces fleshy roots and supports the low-growing foliage. Pale purple flowers have a small white center and a cross-shaped outline, with each blossom lasting a day. Its patterned leaves and delicate flowers make it useful as an ornamental ground cover or indoor plant. Photographed in Colombia.