Kaempferia

The genus Kaempferia (Zingiberaceae) comprises more than 50 species of aromatic, rhizomatous, stemless herbaceous perennials, native mainly to South and Southeast Asia (China, India, Indochina). As the exact species for this entry is not specified, this description is given at the genus level. The short rhizome bears spherical to fusiform tubers and fascicled roots, producing one to a few often variegated leaves that lie close to the ground. The inconspicuous violet or white flowers appear at the base of the foliage during the warm season. The genus is grown in part shade, in humus-rich, well-drained soil, with a dry winter rest after the foliage dies back.