Zingiber spectabile, commonly known as Beehive Ginger, is a perennial herb that is native to the understory of tropical rainforests in Maritime Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia. It typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) with a similar spread. The plant is noted for its unique inflorescences, which resemble beehives and can range in color from yellow to red. These showy bracts appear in the summer and last into the fall, providing a long-lasting display. The true flowers are small and white, emerging from the bracts. Beehive Ginger has broad, lance-shaped leaves that add to its tropical appearance.

Beehive Ginger is valued for its striking inflorescences, which are often used in tropical flower arrangements. It thrives in warm, humid environments and is commonly cultivated in subtropical and tropical gardens as an ornamental plant. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil, high humidity, and partial to full shade to mimic its native rainforest habitat. It is not drought-tolerant and can suffer in dry conditions. While it has traditional medicinal uses in Southeast Asia for treating inflammation and burns, and its antimicrobial properties and potential in cancer treatment have been studied, it is primarily grown in the West for its ornamental appeal. Beehive Ginger can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if the soil does not drain well.CC BY-SA 4.0