Alpinia calcarata Rosc

Alpinia calcarata Rosc

Know our Plant

Systematic Classification:

Division    : Angiospermae 
Class       : Monocotyledons  
Series      : Commelinids
Order       : Zingeberales
Family      : Zingeberaceae
Genus       : Alpinia
Species     : calcarata


Common Name:

Snap ginger

General Information:

Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) is a rhizomatous plant widely used as systemic medicinal sources in Sri Lanka. The mature rhizomes are branched and dense with a light to dark brown color. The leaf of the plant is simple, alternative, 25-32 cm long, 2.5-5 cm broad .The flowers are irregular, bisexual and pendanculate. Terminal densed flowers are found in panicles 8.5cm long. A. calcarata is cultivated in tropical countries including India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Economic Importance:

  • Rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata are shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, gastroprotective, and antidiabetic activities.
  • It is the major part of indigenous medicinal formulation for the treatment of indigestion, impurities of blood, throat inflammation, voice improvement and to marinate youthful vigor.