Alpinia zerumbet

 Shell Ginger Plant

Common Name -: Shell Ginger

Botanical Name -: Alpinia zerumbet

Kingdom -: Plantae

Order -: Zingiberales

Family -: Zingiberaceae

General Information -: Alpinia zerumbet, commonly known as shell ginger among other names, is a perennial species of ginger native to East Asia. The plants can grow up to 2.5 to 3 meters tall and bear colorful funnel-shaped flowers. 

Flowers have white or pink perianths with yellow labella with red spots and stripes. There are three stamens, but only one has pollen. There is one pistil. The fruit is globose with many striations. They are grown as ornamentals and their leaves are used in cuisine and traditional medicine.

Medicinal Uses -: If one might believe that the shell ginger is a plant dedicated to ornament, the plant is better known for its medicinal properties such as improving the flu-like condition, digestion, and balancing blood pressure. Its major asset is its richness in bactericidal essential oil and antioxidants.

Creator - Vinita Uikey ( B.Sc. 3rd Year )