Description

Snap Ginger or Indian ginger (Alpinia calcarata) is a native plant of India and is also known as cardamon ginger and false cardamon. Snap ginger appears to grow well in the Hawaiian Islands. Leaves dull dark green, lighter undersides. White with yellow and red variegated fragrant flowers resembling snapdragons. Alpinia calcarata is a very easy and vigorous species to grow. It has very narrow foliage and stems and is a prolific plant. Its narrow habit is not nearly as attractive as many of the better foliage Alpinia. It will not bloom in Zone 8 despite its hardiness. The medium size white and red flowers are attractive and appear on upright inflorescences. It grows well in medium sun in well drained rich soil. Alpinia carcarata has nice reedy foliage but there is not much else going for it. If you live in a frost free area you will get some pretty flowers, but like other Alpinias, this will only bloom on second year growth. If the foliage freezes back it will not bloom the next year.

Characteristics:

Snap Ginger (Alpinia Calcarata Rox) is herb grows up to 3 meters tall, it is similar to the ginger, in the arrangement of leaves and stem, leaves are green, lance-shaped to oblong, approximate 50 cm length and 10 cm broad. Flowers are white and red, resembles with orchid flowers and aromatic, born at the end part, young plants are pop up from rhizomes, flowers occurs in the growth of the second year, seeds are many contain in capsules.

Medicinal Uses:

Galangal is used to treat abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, hiccup, cough, metabolic disorder, asthma and joint pain. It has the ability to kill cancer cells and prevent cells from becoming malignant, anti-inflammatory.