Perennial herb, 50~100 cm high. The rhizome is fleshy, oblate and branched, with aromatic and spicy smell. Leaves alternate, 2
columns, sessile, with long sheaths, clasping leaves linear-lanceolate, apex tapered, base narrow, smooth and glabrous, membranous
stems with white rhizomes drawn out, spikes oval, dense, bracts oval, apex hard-pointed, green-white, back edge yellow, calyx
tubular, about 1 cm long, with 3 short teeth; Corolla green and yellow; Tube about 2 cm long, lobes 3, lanceolate, slightly equal
in length, lip oblong-obovate, shorter than corolla lobes, slightly purple, with yellow-white spots; Stamens are purplish and as
long as lips. Ovary glabrous, 3-celled, style solitary, held by anthers. Capsule 3-valved. Seeds are black. The flowering period
is from July to August (cultivated plants seldom bloom). The fruit period is from December to January of the following year. Root
block can be used as medicine. Digging in summer, removing stems and leaves and fibrous roots, washing soil