The problem with the misidentifications is that many Alpinia and related
genera have spp with fragrant leaves. It isn't a means of identifying any
particular species. There are different commercial varieties but the ones
I've seen in private collections usually top out at 3-4 ft. The
inflorescences do appear on basal shoots similar to most Zingiber spp as
was mentioned (though some Zingiber bloom terminally and a few basally and
terminally).

To non collectors the species do seem similar so the confusion is
understandable, but worsened by sellers knowingly selling mislabeled plants
to those in search of the spice plant.

Tim Chapman
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