Resurrection lily, Aromatic ginger, Galanga
Kaempferia galanga

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A slow growing perennial herb. It grows 15 cm high. The rhizome has tuberous roots. They are fleshy. The rhizome is much branched crowded, tuberous and aromatic. The rhizomes are pale green or greenish white inside. The leaves have a mild smell like liquorice. It usually has two leaves pressed flat against the soil. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 7-20 cm long by 3-17 cm wide. They are green but often have a red upper edge. The flowers occur at the end of the shoot. The flower bracts can be 4 cm long and 1 cm wide. Each bract surrounds one flower. The flowers have a 4.5-5 cm long corolla tube and narrow lobes. Flowers are 2.5 cm long and are white. There are 2 varieties described based on the size of the leaves.

There are about 50 Kaempferia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in open areas in S China. It grows in open forests up to 1,000 m above sea level. It needs a temperature above 18°C. It needs a fertile soil. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, West Africa

How it is used for food

The rhizomes and leaves are eaten as a condiment. The rhizomes are dried and pounded and used as a substitute for turmeric. They are used in fish curries and also served as a raw vegetable. The rhizomes are also pickled. They are used to flavour rice. The young shoots are cooked as a vegetable.

It is widely cultivated in SE Asia. It is sold in markets.

Edible parts

Rhizome, root, leaves as condiment, spice

How it is grown

It is grown from rhizome or tuber cuttings. It can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bithiphaknur, Cekur, Chandramula, Chandramulika, Chandumula, Chikur, Dia lien, Galanga, Kachchura, Kacholakilangu, Kacholam, Kachoram, Kachri, Kapur-kachri, Katjulam, Kenchur, Kencur, Kesul, Khnhy prey, Kursa-gamon, Prao hom, Proh hom, Saa jiang, Sand ginger, Shan mai, Sonfwira, Sugandhavacha

Synonyms

Alpinia sessilis J. Koenig; Kaempferia galanga var. latifolia (Donn ex Homem.) Donn; Kaempferia humilis Salisb.; Kaempferia latifolia Donn ex Hornem.; Kaempferia plantaginifolia Salisb.; Kaempferia procumbens Noronha; Kaempferia rotunda Blanco [Illegitimate];