Alpinia galanga aka Siamese Ginger

Alpinia galanga is a tropical herb in the ginger family. Gardeners know it as galangal, Thai ginger, or Siamese ginger. Its native range runs from southern China to western and central Malesia. It grows in forests, at forest edges, in scrub, and in grassland. People have long grown it in southern Asia for food and medicine. Some also gather it from wild plants or old plantings.

This evergreen perennial grows fast and forms large clumps. Garden plants reach about 6–6.6 feet (1.83–2 metres) tall. Their spread can reach 4 feet (1.22 metres). One source describes larger clumps reaching 11.5 feet (3.5 metres). Thick, scented rhizomes creep and branch beneath the soil. These underground stems range from pale yellow to light red. Upright stalks carry long green leaves. Each leaf measures about 12–15 inches long and 2–3 inches wide. The plant bears showy flowers in pale yellow and white tones. Its fruit also has ornamental value. Flowering follows the season rather than a stated month range.

Galangal suits warm, humid places and USDA zones 11–12. It prefers temperatures above 59°F (15°C). Give it moist, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. The soil should drain well. Partial shade suits it best, though it also tolerates full sun. It can endure some drought, but prefers steady moisture. Gardeners grow it for its rhizomes or its leafy form. Large containers offer another way to grow it. Its evergreen leaves add interest through winter in warm climates.

The rhizome adds a sharp, spicy taste to food. Cooks use it fresh, dried, sliced, crushed, or powdered. It flavours soups, curries, and dishes such as Indonesian rendang. Its taste combines ginger-like warmth with a peppery bite. Flowers, flower buds, and young shoots are also edible. People eat them raw or cook them as vegetables. They also pickle the flowers or add them to soups. Oil from the underground parts flavours some drinks. Traditional medicine uses the rhizome for digestive and other complaints. These uses do not establish that it treats those conditions.

Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon. Fungal leaf spot and root rot can still occur. Dry weather may bring spider mites. The plant needs little routine care in suitable conditions. Gardeners can raise it from seed or divide its rhizomes. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets.