Red ginger, also known as Alpinia purpurata, is a striking tropical plant known for its vibrant red bracts that encase small white flowers. Culturally significant especially in areas like Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, where it often forms part of ornamental decorations and floral displays.
In terms of scent, red ginger has a very mild fragrance compared to its more aromatic cousins in the ginger family. The perceptible aroma of red ginger is subtly sweet and slightly spicy, evoking a clean and fresh scent that is often likened to the milder notes of classic ginger roots but with a less intense zing. It's this gentle fragrance that makes red ginger more appreciated for its visual allure than its olfactory characteristics.