The genus Vanoverberghia currently includes three species namely V. sepulchrei and V. rubrobracteata from the Philippines and V. sasakiana from Taiwan. New material targeting the Alpinia eubractea clade of the tribe Alpinieae was used to test the monophyly of Vanoverberghia. A combined analysis of the ITS and trnK/matK regions reveals that these three species form a strongly supported monophyletic clade with Alpinia diversifolia and Alpinia vanoverberghii. The morphological descriptions of all species were updated after examining recent collections and comparing with types and protologues. The original description of A. diversifolia did not include information on the flowers which are described here. The morphology of A. diversifolia and A. vanoverberghii is for most parts in accordance with the previous perception of the genus but a few characters are added and a recircumscription of Vanoverberghia is subsequently provided here. Vanoverberghia diversifolia is reinstated and A. vanoverberghii is combined in Vanoverberghia. Furthermore, collections from northern Luzon documents the presence of V. sasakiana and all species of Vanoverberghia thus occur in the Philippines. A key to the five species is provided including a comprehensive taxonomic revision and designation of three lectotypes.

Based on studies of types and recent collections, the number of species of Etlingera Giseke in the Philippines is doubled from eight to 16. Three species (Etlingera alba, E. brevilabrum and E. sessilanthera) are reported here for the first time, E. pandanicarpa is synonymised with the Bornean E. fimbriobracteata, and four new combinations (E. bulusanensis, E. linearifolia, E. pubimarginata and E. subviridis) and one new name (E. pilosa) are published here. Nine lectotypifications are proposed, of which three represent second-step designations. About two-thirds of the species are currently thought to be endemic, but future fieldwork is likely to result in more species of Etlingera in the Philippines, either endemic or as new records from neighbouring islands.

In 1909, Ridley published Adelmeria characterized by its congested terminal inflorescence with large persistent floral bracts. All five species at some point placed in Adelmeria were synonymized in Alpinia by Loesener and subsequent authors. Several phylogenetic studies revealed that Alpinia is highly polyphyletic, suggesting that it should be split into several genera. In the present study, we sampled all five species initially placed in Adelmeria plus additional ones with a similar morphology. The combined analysis of the ITS and trnK/matK regions showed that these species formed a strongly supported monophyletic group inside the Alpinia eubractea clade of the tribe Alpinieae. Although not completely diagnostic, the following morphological characters separate Adelmeria from most of the species currently inside the Alpinia eubractea clade: bilobed ligules; congested inflorescences; utricular bracteoles; sessile flowers; crestless anthers; obovoid fruits. Considering this molecular and morphological evidence, the recognition of Adelmeria is highly justified. In this present paper, we reinstate the genus which is endemic to the Philippines and provide a comprehensive taxonomic revision including a discussion of the application of the name Elmeria. A key to nine species of Adelmeria, four of which (A. dicranochila, A. isarogensis, A. leonardoi, A. undulata) are new to science, is provided as well as full descriptions and preliminary conservation assessments. Interestingly, monoecy was observed in A. oblonga and reported for the first time for Adelmeria. Four lectotypes and one epitype are designated in this study.

A new species, Plagiostachys lourdesiae, from Mindanao, Philippines is described here. Plagiostachys escritorii, which also occurs in Mindanao, is the most closely related species. The new species differs from P. escritorii in its petiolate lamina, lax inflorescence, red and strongly curved upward labellum, and globose to subglobose maroon fruit. A colour plate, notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status as well as a key to Plagiostachys species in the Philippines are provided.