Kaempferia angustifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kaempferia roxburghiana
• Kaempferia undulata
• Kaempferia gilbertii

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Zingiberales, it is classified under the family Zingiberaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Kaempferia, which includes the medicinal species Kaempferiia angustifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions within the Asian continent. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is recorded in India, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. The species also extends into the Indo-China region, where it can be found in Cambodia. Additionally, its geographical range encompasses the country of Myanmar. Collectively, these areas represent the primary habitats where this medicinal species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Kaempferia angustifolia is characterized by its classification as a perennial, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a geophyte, the plant survives unfavorable environmental conditions by retreating to underground storage organs, such as rhizomes, which allow it to remain dormant and then re-emerge when conditions become favorable for growth. This specialized life form enables the plant to navigate seasonal changes by protecting its vital nutrients and meristematic tissues beneath the soil surface, ensuring long-term survival and continuous regeneration.

Life form :

geophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Kaempferia angustifolia is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, reaching a mean plant height of approximately 0.2 m. As a terrestrial species, it grows independently without any parasitic tendencies, functioning as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber. Its structure is entirely non-woody, typical of its herbaceous nature.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.2 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Kaempferia angustifolia is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes adapted to understory environments, where it relies on efficient light interception and nutrient cycling. As an herbaceous perennial, its physiological framework involves a robust rhizomatous system that functions as a primary storage organ for starch and secondary metabolites, facilitating survival during dormant periods. Its photosynthetic efficiency is optimized for shade tolerance, utilizing a specific leaf morphology to maximize carbon fixation under limited light intensity. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant does not possess the symbiotic mechanisms required for atmospheric nitrogen conversion; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer. Consequently, its physiological nitrogen requirements are met through the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil via its root system, making it dependent on the organic matter decomposition and mineral availability within its substrate.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Kaempferia angustifolia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Chemicals

Kaempferia angustifolia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles

1. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Preparations

Kaempferia angustifolia has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanolic extracts of the rhizomes, rhizome extract.

Ethanolic extracts of the rhizomes

1. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology

Rhizome extract

1. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology