Indian Ginger

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Indian Ginger

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Alpinia calcarata var. compacta
• Alpinia cernua
• Catimbium erectum
• Renealmia calcarata
• Languas calcarata
• Renealmia minor
• Alpinia alata
• Alpinia simsii
• Globba erecta

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Zingiberales and the family Zingiberaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Alpinia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across the globe. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in both Bangladesh and India. Its presence extends to East Asia, where it is native to Southeast China and the island of Hainan. Additionally, the species reaches as far as the Middle Atlantic Ocean on the island of St. Helena. These varied locations demonstrate the wide ecological range inhabited by this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Alpinia calcarrata is characterized by its classification as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This biological strategy allows the plant to survive unfavorable environmental conditions by protecting its vital organs underground. As a geophyte, it relies on specialized underground storage organs, such as rhizomes, to endure periods of dormancy or seasonal stress, ensuring its persistence in its natural habitat. This life form enables the plant to regrow during favorable growing seasons, utilizing its stored energy to emerge and complete its reproductive cycle.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Alpinia calcarrata is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, as it does not function as an epiphyte. It is an independent organism that lacks parasitic tendencies, functioning entirely on its own without reliance on a host. In terms of its structural support, the plant is classified as a self-supporting species, meaning it does not utilize climbing mechanisms such as tendrils or twining stems to ascend, instead maintaining its own upright or spreading posture through its own structural integrity.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Alpinia calcarata has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, leaf.

Rhizome

1. Planta medica
2. British journal of pharmacology

Leaf

1. Heliyon

Chemicals

Alpinia calcarata has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (E)-Methyl cinnamate, 1,8-Cineole, Calcaratarin D, Terpinen-4-ol, alpha-TERPINEOL.

(E)-Methyl cinnamate

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

1,8-Cineole

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Calcaratarin D

1. Planta medica

Terpinen-4-ol

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

alpha-TERPINEOL

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

camphor

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Conditions

Alpinia calcarata has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Ascaris lumbricoides, adiposity, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antioxidant.

Ascaris lumbricoides

1. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology

Adiposity

1. Heliyon

Anthelmintic

1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Antidiabetic

1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Antioxidant

1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Aphrodisiac

1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Asthma

1. British journal of pharmacology

Preparations

Alpinia calcarata has 1 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include rhizomes.

Rhizomes

1. Planta medica
2. British journal of pharmacology