A Great Indoor Flower, Torch Ginger flowers are comprised of elongated, tapered buds on top of tall stalks stabilized by underground rhizomes. The green, fleshy stalks are thick and fibrous, reaching up to one meter in height, and grow upright in a stiff, straight formation. At the top of the stalks, the buds have a teardrop to oval shape, averaging ten centimeters in length, and are comprised of oval and waxy, petal-like layers known as bracts, protective, modified leaf coverings that encase the developing petals. When young, Torch Ginger flowers are tightly closed, forming a flame-like shape. As the flower blooms, the bracts will open, revealing small colorful flower petals. Torch Ginger flowers are consumed when the buds are somewhat closed and have a crisp, succulent, and lightweight texture. The aromatic bracts also emit a sweet, floral, and subtly ginger-like scent and have a sweet and sour, piquant flavor with citrus-forward nuances. Torch Ginger flowers are a good source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to boost the immune system. The buds also provide antioxidants such as vitamin C to protect the body against external aggressors and have some magnesium to regulate nerve functioning, vitamin K to assist in faster wound healing, and calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Torch Ginger flowers are native to tropical regions of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Southern Thailand and have been growing wild since ancient times. The plants are easily propagated and were quickly spread throughout Southeast Asia, China, Oceania, and Australia. Torch Ginger flowers were also introduced to Hawaii, Florida, and South America as a cultivated tropical species and are used for ornamental landscaping. Today Torch Ginger flowers can be found worldwide, both cultivated and wild, and are present in Asia, Australia, Oceania, Polynesia, Africa, South America, Central America, and in Florida, California, and Hawaii of the United States. In Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and China, the species has also been deemed an aggressive invasive species. When in season, the Torch Ginger flower buds can be found through specialty growers or fresh local markets.