The genus Hedychium J. Konig in south India is revised based on field investigations and herbarium analysis. Seven species and one variety are recognised, along with H. flavum J. Konig found to be new distributional record. A brief history of the taxonomy of south Indian Hedychium along with diagnostic morphological characters are discussed. Photographs and details of distribution and conservation status are also presented. A comprehensive identification key to the species and variety is provided. The name H. flavum is lectotypified.