Family: Zingiberaceae
Galangal produces attractive flowers and foliage but is best known for its aromatic rhizomes. It tolerates many soil types; however, loamy soil with good drainage will yield the biggest rhizomes. It does well in full sun and can even be grown in large containers. Save the root suckers and store them in a cool dark place for your next crop. The spice is used in many Thai and Indonesian dishes. It is said to promote digestion, aid stomach problems, reduce fevers, and reduce infections.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Cultural significance
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Medicinal
- Ornamental
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized in Taiwan
- Other Alpinia species have become invasive weeds
- Reproduces by seeds (rarely) and rhizomes
- Self-compatible, but primarily outcrossing
- Reaches maturity rapidly (10-12 months) from rhizomes
- Seeds, if produced, likely dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
- May be able to resprout from cutting of rhizomes
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or negative impacts
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Edible and medicinal uses
- Pollinator limited (requires specialized bee pollination)
- Limited production of seed in cultivation minimizes risk of accidental or long-distance dispersal
