Accession #: 1151
Accession Date:
Common name:
Family: Zingiberaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: China (Guangdong) to Indo-China
Description: Leafy stem up to 1.5 m high. Leaves sessile, lamina glabrous, linear-lanceolate. Ligule membraneous, bifid. Inflorescence terminal, 10-15 cm long, peduncle densely pubescent. Bracts minute, triangular, pubescent. Flowers shortly pedicellate, calyx tubular. Corolla tube almost equal to the calyx, lobes oblong. Labellum obovate, variegated with dark purple and yellow, glabrous. Stamen shorter than labellum, anther thecae parallel, pubescent. Epigynous glands two, free from each other. Ovary trilocular with many ovules. Fruit globose, orange-red, seeds many.3
Uses: Stimulates digestion, purifies blood and improves voice. Rhizomes are anti-inflammatory. One study found the cytotoxic activity of ethanol extract of Alpinia calcarata, the rhizome, against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor bearing Swiss Albino mice and concluded that the plant rhizome can be considered as a probable new source of antitumor agents.<sup>3</sup>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone:
Source: Kress Collection, SI#1994759
Provenance:
Collector# 87-2215 Kress, W. J. ex hort., United States: Hawaii plant given to U.S. Bot. Garden 15 June 2016
Restrictions:
Culture: