Galangal RHIZOME – Evergreen Thai Ginger – Heirloom & Untreated – Greater Galangal – Alpinia galanga
Galangal RHIZOME – Evergreen Thai Ginger – Greater Galangal – Alpinia galanga is an evergreen beautiful perennial plant grown for its roots and leaves. It belongs to the ginger family and it can be grown as an ornamental plant as well as for cooking, and its medicinal properties (read some interesting facts in the description below). We use the leaves cut into small pieces, as well as the young rhizomes which can be grated or cut into small pieces and cooked with all sorts of dishes and fermented or pickled with other vegetables. The flowers are also edible when cooked. The fresh evergreen foliage and the beautiful large flowers make a fantastic ornamental plant, too! It grows up to 2m and will expand quickly under the right conditions!
Interesting facts about Galangal, Alpinia galanga: “Alpinia galanga is native to the Southeast Asian region and has been used as an active ingredient for many formulas in traditional medicines to relieve indigestion, vomiting, stomach pains, ringworm and to treat skin diseases. In addition, a large number of Southeast Asian foods consist of this medicinal plant. (Tungmunnithum et.al., 2020)”
Planting and growing tips:
- Plant into a larger pot or straight to the ground.
- Part shade growing position is best. Expect a few burned leaves if grown in full sun.
- Watering straight after planting is essential! From then on, regular watering until the plant establishes is highly recommended.
- It doesn’t like to sit in water so a well-drained position is best. All our edibles grow happily and quickly in slightly raised garden beds.
- The plant will grow and expand very quickly depending on the growing conditions. It may struggle in winter when the temperature falls below 0°C but it will wake up again in spring. Cut all sad-looking leaves near the ground to give more space for the new shoots—harvest as required.
- Separating the plant periodically will encourage new growth and new plants can be grown from divided rhizomes.
Additional notes:
- The price is for one rhizome, similar to the one in the image, coming from my own Galangal plant, naturally grown with love in my permaculture food forest in Pacific Haven QLD Australia. Sending within Australia only, not to WA. Pick up by appointment only.
- We usually dispatch on Monday to make sure the plant arrives at your place before the weekend.
- Do your own research before trying any new foods. Please also note our disclaimer in the footer of this page.
References: Tungmunnithum, D.; Tanaka, N.; Uehara, A.; Iwashina, T. Flavonoids Profile, Taxonomic Data, History of Cosmetic Uses, Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Aging Potential of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. Cosmetics 2020, 7, 89. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics7040089