Etlingera elatior, commonly known as torch ginger, is a tropical rhizomatous perennial of the ginger family that grows to 12-15' tall in tropical climates. Arching leafstalks to 15’ tall are clad with ribbed, leathery, banana-like leaves (to 3’ long), each having a central groove. Naked flower stalks rise directly from the rhizomes to 3’ tall, each stalk being topped by a cone-shaped inflorescence containing tiny yellow flowers over tiny fertile bracts, both of which are somewhat hidden inside of and subtended by large, drooping, showy petal-like red bracts. Flowers bloom throughout the year.
