Globba fragilis is a small-sized ginger from the semi-evergreen rain forests in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. Its Latin name ‘fragilis’ means fragile, referring to the petite look of the plant. The plant was first named in 1972 and at that time, it was thought to be endemic to Pulau Langkawi, Kedah (Lim, 1972). Since then, it has been reported from other parts of Kedah and also in Peninsular Thailand.

In nature, G. fragilis is seen clinging to the boulders of small streams in the lowland forest. The plants grow less than 20 cm tall and usually form tight clumps comprising 7–10 leafy stems. Every stem has about 3–4 leaves at the upper half of the stem. The leaf blades are ovate and hairy on both surfaces. The bright orange inflorescences are the most attractive part of the plant. They emerge from the terminal end of the stem and immediately bend downwards and continue to grow to about 3 cm long.