Zedoary

Amomum zedoaria Christmann in G. F. Christmann and G. W. F. Panzer, Vollst. Pflanzensyst. 5: 12. 1779; Curcuma pallida Loureiro

Leaf blades narrowly ovate or elliptical, 45--67 ´ 15--22 cm. Inflorescences erect, 11--23 ´ 5--10 cm; bracts of main axis whitish proximally, green (proximal bracts) or pink (distal bracts) distally; proximal bracts ovate to rectangular, deeply saccate, 4--4.5 ´ 4 cm, apex obtuse or truncate-apiculate; distal bracts narrowly ovate, 8--9 ´ 4--4.5 cm, apex rounded. Flowers: perianth white or spotted with purple; staminodes pale yellow with yellow streak down center of lip.

Flowering spring (May). Disturbed lakeshore; 50 m; introduced; Fla.; native, Asia (ne India).

Curcuma zedoaria is grown commercially in Asia for its starchy rhizome, which is used as a condiment or tonic.