The stems of this plant may attain a height of 4 metres with leaves up to 40cm in length.

Snowflake Ginger - Alpinia arctiflora - Photo by Bill Hinton

It favours openings within the bounds of the lowland rainforests such as creek banks and roadways.

The flower stems and underside of the leaves are covered with short stiff hairs which lay in the one direction making a smooth, semi-gloss surface.

The ruffle edged white flowers are relieved with a bright lemon "centre".

The fruits are oblong capsules up to 4cm, each containing many seeds. Propagation by seed is successful but shade and constant moisture is necessary.