Leaf blades oblanceolate or narrowly elliptical, 30--32 ´ 6--7 cm (smaller distally). Inflorescences erect, 7--11 ´ [3--]5--6 cm; bracts of main axis green when young, becoming red; proximal bracts reniform or very broadly ovate, concave, 2--3 ´ 3--4 cm, apex broadly rounded; distal bracts smaller but otherwise similar to proximal bracts, ca. 1 ´ 2 cm. Flowers: perianth and staminodes pale yellow.

Flowering fall (Oct). Disturbed areas; 50 m; introduced; Fla.; native, Asia (India and the Malay Peninsula).

In Asia, the rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet are used as a spice in much the same way as those of Z. officinale. In North America, escaped populations are known only from two sites in Gainesville, Florida.