Attractive ginger relative from SE Asia and India with broad, rounded leaves that lie almost flat after they unroll. Produces numerous white flowers with deep violet markings. Leaves grow from bulbous tubers which have a warm, spicy/musky scent. The leaves and root are added to curries and cooked with as a flavoring and stimulant. The roots are used to treat headaches, tetanus, abscesses and coughs. Antioxident, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Essential oil from the roots is used in perfumery. Winter dormant.