Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga L.
Kaempferia galanga, commonly known as kencur, aromatic ginger, sand ginger, cutcherry, is a monocotyledonous plant in the ginger family, and one of four plants called galangal.
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Kaempferia galangaKaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galangaKaempferia galangaKaempferia galangaOverview
Kaempferia galanga, commonly known as kencur, aromatic ginger, sand ginger, cutcherry, is a monocotyledonous plant in the ginger family, and one of four plants called galangal. It is found primarily in open areas in Indonesia, southern China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and India, but is also widely cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productRhizome planting
One- to two-year-old **rhizomes** are cut into 2–3-bud setts, treated against rot and planted where drainage is good.
Sprouting
The rhizome roots down and shoots push through the soil; the plant begins photosynthesising and storing reserves.
Growth & flowering
In season the plant opens **white flowers tinged lilac in June–July**, adding colour and nectar for insects.
New rhizomes & harvest
After a full growing season the plant retreats to its storage organ; **one-year-old rhizomes lifted in late autumn**.
Uses
- Warms the middle and dispels cold.
- Moves qi and relieves pain.
- Dries dampness and aids digestion.
- Used for abdominal pain and bloating.
- Applied topically for aches.
Habitat & conservation
It is found primarily in open areas in Indonesia, southern China, Taiwan, Cambodia, and India, but is also widely cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.
Conservation
Kaempferia galanga has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Kaempferia galanga — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Kaempferia galanga — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q1113398 — Wikidata,