About Zingiber spectabile Griff.
Like most species in the genus Zingiber, Zingiber spectabile Griff. has long, mostly oblong leaves that taper to a single point at the tip. Under ideal growing conditions, this plant can reach a height of 4.5 metres (15 ft) or even taller. Its inflorescence grows at the top of a spike and can reach up to 30 centimetres (12 in) in height. The bracts attached to the inflorescence vary in color, ranging from white to yellow, orange, or red, and they often darken as they mature. The actual flowers are small, with purple petals marked by yellow spots and a fragile, papery texture. In Indonesia, Zingiber spectabile Griff. is used in traditional medicine to treat eye inflammation. To prepare it for use, the leaves are pounded into a thick paste, which is then applied topically to the affected area. It has also been documented as a treatment for burns, headaches, and back pain, and as an agent for food preservation. Academic research has found that the plant has antimicrobial properties, and contains significant concentrations of the Zerumbone synthase enzyme, which may be effective for treating colon cancer.
