Scaphochlamys

Scaphochlamys is a genus of perennial herbs in the family Zingiberaceae, commonly known as wild gingers. These plants are native to Southeast Asia, with a distribution primarily in Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. They are characterized by their subterranean rhizomes and erect, leafy shoots. The leaves are typically ovate to lanceolate, with a distinct midrib and often a glossy surface.

The flowers of Scaphochlamys are borne in a terminal inflorescence, emerging from the leafy shoot. The inflorescence is often subtended by a few conspicuous bracts. Individual flowers are zygomorphic and possess a tubular calyx and a more elaborate corolla. The corolla typically consists of three petals, with the central petal, the labellum, being particularly prominent and often intricately shaped. The color of the flowers can vary but often includes shades of white, pink, or purple.

Several species within the Scaphochlamys genus have been described, and taxonomic research is ongoing, with new species occasionally being identified. They generally grow in shaded, humid environments, such as the understory of tropical rainforests, often found on forest floors or along stream banks. While not widely cultivated, some species may hold local or traditional uses, though detailed information on this is limited in broader literature. The genus is of interest to botanists for its contribution to the biodiversity of Southeast Asian flora and its evolutionary relationships within the ginger family.