False cardamom ginger
Alpinia mutica

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A ginger family herb. It grows up to 2 m tall. The flowers are in sprays and are white.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best in rich, well-drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Samoa, SE Asia, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The shoots are boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Shoots, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kha nam

Synonyms

Alpinia korthalsii K.Schum.; Alpinia laxiflora Gagnep.; Catimbium muticum (Roxb.) Holttum; Languas korthalsii (K. Schum.) Merr.; Languas laxiflora (Gagnep.) Merr.; Languas mutica (Roxb.) Merr.; Renealmia mutica (Roxb.) Salisb.;