Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm.
Vernacular name: Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily (Hindi: शेल जिंजर / पत्ते वाली अदरक)
Species Name: Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm.
Family: Zingiberaceae
Habit: Rhizomatous perennial herb
Stem: Reed-like pseudostems 2-3 m tall, leafy.
Leaf: Lanceolate, 30-70 cm × 5-14 cm, glossy green, ginger-scented when crushed.
Flowering: Summer
Flowers: Terminal racemes on leafy shoots (racemose inflorescence – drooping waxy flowers); shell-like pink/white, 4-6 cm, labellum yellow with red stripes, fragrant.
Fruit: Vermillion subglobose capsule 2 cm, angled black seeds
Uses:
- Rhizome is used in tea and alcoholic beverages for its antioxidant and aromatic properties.
- Plant has anti-obesity property. Okinawa longevity food.
- It is an ornamental landscape plant.
- Leaves are used for tea flavoring.
- Okinawan herbal tea used for coughs, cold and fevers.
- In Okinawa, plant leaves are also used to wrap rice cakes
- Miao fruit (dried riped capsule) in China is used for cardiovascular health and anti-inflammation property.
- Plant is also used to manage blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, skin ulcers and aches.
- Stem fibers are tough and are used in textile and paper industry.
- Essential oil extracted from plant can be used in cosmetic industry in soaps, deodorants and perfumes.
- Essential oil of this plant can also be used as insect repellant.
