Peacock ginger
Kaempferia laotica
Family: Zingiberaceae
What it is like
A ginger family herb. The leaves are oval shaped and 20 cm long by 15 cm wide. They lie almost flat on the ground. The leaves are light green and often have a pattern. The flowers are small and have 4 petals. They are violet to purple.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant It suits hardiness zones 8-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, Indochina, Laos, SE Asia, Thailand
How it is used for food
The shoots are boiled and eaten as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Shoots
How it is grown
It can be grown from sections of the rhizome.
Its other names
Local names
Waa la wan