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Since its publication by Adanson in 1763, the name Pacoseroca has been treated as a synonym of several genera of Zingiberaceae by different authors. It is currently treated as a homotypic synonym of Zingiber Mill. (≡ Amomum L., nom. rej.) in Index Nominum Genericorum. No binomial combination has ever been proposed in Pacoseroca, and the typification of this long‐forgotten generic name has never been undertaken. We show here that Pacoseroca is not homotypic with Amomum L. Instead, its protologue included elements that belong to at least three rather distantly related genera of Zingiberaceae (Aframomum, Elettaria, Renealmia), over all of which Pacoseroca has priority. Based on a study of the protologue and of Adanson's working methods, we typify Pacoseroca with Renealmia alpinia (Rottb.) Maas (≡ Amomum alpinia Rottb.), a species which is the best fit to a plant recorded by Marcgrave under the vernacular name "Paco seroca" and upon which Adanson based his generic name. A formal proposal to reject Pacoseroca will be submitted to uphold the well‐known Renealmia and to prevent new combinations for 82 species names currently accepted in this genus, which is widespread in Africa and South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]