Variegated Globba pendula

Globba is a genus of smallish understorey Asian gingers - supposedly there are 100 species but many of them are rather similar.

 

While roaming around the Phang Nga region of Thailand, I came across this unusual small Globba with variegated leaves. The bloom suggests its most likely G. pendula, a common species in this region, although variegation is less usual.

 

 

Flowers of globbas are unusual in that the lip is greatly reduced whlie the stamen tube is very long and arched, The anther appendages at the end of the stamen is useful in identifications.This species only has 2 such appendages, while some may have 4.