shellflower, any of about 250 species of plants in the genus Alpinia of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), native to warm climates of Asia and Polynesia. They have gingerlike rhizomes (underground stems) and grow to 6 m (20 feet). Their leaves are long-bladed and leathery. The flower petals form a shortened tube with three teeth and a large labellum (two fused stamens), giving an orchidlike appearance. The fragrant flowers of pink, yellow, or white are borne in dense, long clusters.