The Torch Gingers, Elingera elatior, are found naturally in the Philippines.  However, they are extremely common throughout much of Florida, the Caribbean and are grown in abundance in Puerto Rico.  The first specimen I saw was in the tropical atrium at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami and it immediately jumped to the top of my "must have" list.  The most popular of the torches is the Red Torch, but the inflorescence (flower) can easily be found in pink and yellow.  Grown from a rhizome, or sectional root, the  inflorescence comes directly out of the ground instead of as a terminal spike from one of the canes.  The plant is very popular with florists as a long lasting tropical "cut flower". The bracts (segments that make up the inflorescence) of the Red Torch are bright red with yellow edges. Just opposite our Red Torch we also have several Pink Torch Gingers in the same grouping which have yet to bloom.  As the bract opens the lower leaves turn down revealing the cone shaped torch.  Our's is located at the right end of the main walkway and is a wonderful large ginger for our tropical greenhouse.  The plant requires lots of water and plenty of room to grow since it can reach a height of 17 feet.  Our's is currently approximately 12 feet in height.