Alpinia purpurata

This may be the most commonly cultivated species of alpinia family around the world. There are many varieties of purpurata in terms of color and shape of the inflorescence. The color can range from white to pink while different shapes can vary from stout, roundish to elongated inflorescences. Common propagation methods include root division and replanting of bulbils produced on matured inflorescences.

Curcuma longa

I obtained this specimen from the wet markets in Indonesia as temulawak (curcuma xanthorriza) but it is unfortunate that latter turn out to be a curcuma longa. The rhizomes found in Indonesia can of deep, matured yellow color compared to the usual orange hue of curcuma longa rhizomes found in Malaysia.

Curcuma cordata

This is a real beauty from Thailand. The inflorescence looks like it's blown up from glass and measures up to abt 1 ft in length. It lasts for more than a month too. Alas, this beauty is not perennial like it's zingiber cousins and has a cycle of life. It pushes out from the ground around early in the year and goes into full bloom nearing July - Aug each year before it goes back into dormant stage. It's colors definitely makes it a good representative to the curcuma family.

Curcuma alismatifolia

This is a beautiful curcuma from the cooler, drier regions of northern parts of S.E. Asia. They can be found scattered over open grassland in parts of Thailand and Burma. The blooming season can turn the open grasslands into views as lovely as the tulip gardens in Holland.

Calathea crotalifera

Calathea crotalifera - another calathea commonly used in the landscaping industry in S.E. Asia. Given the right tropical conditions, plants easily reach up to 10ft in height. Various shades of inflorescences are available, eg. from white, yellow, orange to bright red.

Zingiber species - yet to know the identity...

This species has marvellous 'fire-cracker' red inflorescences. The matured species is ~2 ft in height. This species of zingiber is not identified yet. My personal opinion is looks like zingiber sulphureum, a red variety, however.

Calathea lutea

A fast growing, hardy species that is easily propagated and often used in landscaping. Reaches a height of about 8 ft in full sun. However, I suspect that they are able to grow taller if the clump is planted in shade.

Zingiber ottensii

A species that is easy to cultivate. A commonly available, prolific bloomer with low maintenance requirements. It's a pity that this species is not popular and is seldom seen in public gardens or private collections.

Etlingera elatior (white)

Snow White... a hardy and vigorous growing plant but alas, the spikes are at most only about 1.5 ft tall, so unlike it's red and gaudy cousin!

Etlingera elatior (red)

This is a real magnificent plant with reddish blush on its leaves and inflorescences that grow up to 1.3m tall from the ground. The diameter of a matured inflorescence can actually grow up to almost a foot in diameter. My all time favourite.

Etlingera fulgens

Here's the inflorescence of a lesser known etlingera planted in my garden. I am happy that it is finally flowering. When they are not in bloom, it is not unusual that the plant itself becomes so inconspicuous that it eludes even the most trained eye of my ginger-guru-fren. Here's one dedicated to him for kindly sharing his ginger cultivation knowledge with me.