月桃 Shell Ginger or Shell-flower (Yuetao)
The Shell Ginger (Yuetao) can be found almost everywhere in Taiwan. The leaves are quite long, about 50 to 60cm, and are 5 to 10cm wide. The plants can be used in various ways: the stalks and leaves are rich in fiber and are edible, the leaves are used to cover pastries such as cakes, to wrap zongzi (glutinous-rice tamales), and even in floriculture. The stems can be used as substitutes for ginger. The flowering season is mainly May and June. The flowers are extremely beautiful with their downcast panicles and pink-colored bud-ends.