Kaempferia

Kaempferia ribbed leaf ginger

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Kaempferia " ribbed leaf"

Note: we do not have a positive identify of this species as yet

Description: We have had funny results with this species. If grown in heavy shade, the petioles elongate and the flower peduncle also grows to about 6 inches tall before producing successive flowers (bottom picture at right). If grown in bright light conditions the plants assumes a dwarf stature (top picture at right).     Leaf blade shows prominent ribbing on upper surface. Flowers throughout summer with flowers opening successively. Winter dormant. Rhizomes remain underground through winter. You can grow it as the tall plant (deep shade) or a dwarf plant (bright light) and even in bright sunlight, we have not had leaf scorch.

Habitat: Not known. Plant known from local trade   as Kaempfaeria parishii

Ethnobotany: Not known

Kaempferia " mottled leaf" ginger

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Kaempferia " mottled leaf"

Note: we do not have a positive identity for this species yet

Description: Leaves to six inches long and 5 inches broad, beautifully mottled.   Juvenile leaves change pat tern colour as they   mature. Flowers throughout summer. Flowers are produced successively on short peduncles. Winter dormant. Leaves die down from late autumn onwards. Rhizomes remain underground through winter. Excellent pot plant.

Habitat:   Known from the trade locally   as Kaempfaeria roscoeana

Ethnobotany: not known

Kaempferia rotunda  ginger

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Kaempferia rotunda

Local name in Nepali - bhui-champha (bhoo-ee - cham-pha)

Description: Leaves grow to about 2ft tall. Leaves are graceful and the petioles tightly clasp and overlap each other at the base giving the impression of a stem. Leaves mottled on the surface and red/maroon/purple at the back. Flowers emerge in early spring before the leaves. Individual flowers last for about two to three days only but this is compensated by flowers opening up successively over a period of a month or so. Flowers are very fragrant. Winter dormant. Rhizomes remain underground throughout winter.

Ethnobotany: The rhizomes are used in local medicine by grinding (fresh or dried) and making a paste with water. This paste is mixed with other herbs and applied to sprains and covered with a bandage.

Caulokaempferia linearis

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Caulokaempferia linearis

(Syn. Kaempferia linearis)

Description: A very fragile looking plant with showy flowers. The rhizomes are very small and deciduous in winter. In late spring the new growths emerge finally growing into a rather thin leafy stem. Leaves are deep green and of a thin texture with the underside flushed red/purple. Inflorescence is terminal, each flower covered by a bract. In mid summer the individual flower open out in succession. The most striking part of the flower is the large, showy lip. The small petals are flushed with red on the back. Individual flowers remain open for a day or two and a well grown plant produces individual flowers over a period of about 3 weeks. Around November as winter sets in the stems dry up and the rhizomes remain dormant throughout winter. One must be careful in maintaining the rhizome during this period of dormancy. The compost in which it is growing should be sprayed with clean water on the surface to keep the compost just slightly

Habitat: This species is found in the eastern Himalayas and inhabits cool forest areas near mountain streams and damp forest floors growing along with other weeds. Also found growing on crevices of large boulders by mountain streams in humus collected in the crevices. Grows fast and vigorously during the summer monsoon months.

Ethnobotany: Not known

Kaempferia galanga

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Kaempferia galanga

(Popular common name     galangal)

Description: Thick rounded leaves that lay flat on the ground. New leaves start growing in mid spring from the small dormant rthizomes. In summer, one or two flowers produced successively from the centre of the growing tip. Flowering lasts over a two month period. Winter dormant. Leaves die down in late autumn and rhizomes remain underground through winter. Excellent seasonal ground cover or pot plant

Habitat:

Ethnobotany: dried or fresh rhizomes used in Asian cuisine as a spice. Rhizomes very aromatic.

NOTE: This species is currently prohibited by Government of India for export.