Galangal (Alpinia galanga)

galanga alpinia

The galangal is one of the culinary plants that can be most useful to us: not only is it very interesting to flavor different dishes, but it also has great ornamental value. Its large, green leaves, combined with soft colored flowers, make it a type of plant worthy of admiration.

With minimal care, you can have it as a border plant or even as a low hedge. So if you want to know everything about her, do not hesitate to continue reading.

Origin and characteristics

Galangal flower

Our protagonist is a plant native to southern China to Malaysia, but it is cultivated in all the warm-temperate regions of the world. Its scientific name is galanga alpinia, and their common names are: Siam ginger, Java galangal, Indian galangal, China galangal, greater galangal.

It is characterized by being a evergreen herbaceous plant that grows from a rhizome, reaching a height of up to 1,5 meters. The leaves are large up to 30cm, whole, lanceolate and cartilage, green in color. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences in the form of terminal panicles 20-30cm long. The fruit is a globular and ovoid capsule with three valves.

How do you take care of yourself?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

  • Location: place your galangal outside, in semi-shade.
  • Earth:
    • Pot: universal growing medium mixed with equal parts perlite
    • Garden: it must be rich in organic matter, and have good drainage.
  • Irrigation: every 2-3 days in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: During the warm months (spring and summer), fertilize with an organic compost, such as guano, compost or mulch.
  • Planting or transplanting time: in spring. If potted, transplant every 2 years.
  • Rusticity: supports weak frosts down to -2ºC.

What uses does it have?

Galangal roots

Besides as an ornamental plant, its rhizomes are used fresh or powdered for vegetable-based stews, in potato soup, and roast beef. Its flavor is mild spicy.

As if that were not enough, they relieve stomach pains.

Have you heard of the galangal?


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