Zingiber spectabile (Beehive Ginger)
Native to Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, this rhizomatous perennial herb grows in tropical rainforests. Its leafy shoots reach about 6 feet tall, while the flowering stems emerge separately from the ground. The beehive-shaped clusters consist of overlapping, pouch-like bracts that range from yellow to reddish orange. These bracts surround the smaller true flowers, which have pale yellow petals and a maroon lip marked with yellow spots. The unusual flower clusters are harvested for floral arrangements, and the plant is grown as an ornamental in tropical gardens. It spreads through underground rhizomes. Photographed in the department of QuindĂo, Colombia.
