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Alpinia hainanensis K. Schum.
| Family Name: | Zingiberaceae |
| Synonyms: | Alpinia henryi K. Schum., Alpinia henryi H. Dong & G. J. Xu var. densihispida, Alpinia kainantensis Masam., Alpinia katsumadae Hayata, Languas henryi (K. Schum.) Merrill, Languas katsumadae (Hayata) Merrill |
| Common Name: | 草豆蔻 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan), Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Rhizomatous herb to 3m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Pseudostems to 3m tall. Leaflets linear to lanceolate, 20-65cm long by 2-12cm wide, glabrous on both surfaces, occasionally sparsely hairy on undersurface of leaflet. |
| Flowers | Inflorescence to 30cm tall, bracts subtending the individual flowers white - very pale pink, 4-4.5cm long. Flowers white - very pale pink; lip 3.5- 4.5cm long by 2-2.5cm wide, base color of lip yellow, centre of lip with dark pink - reddish mottling and reddish purple stripes radiating towards the lip margins. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: The seeds of this species is used in traditional chinese medicine, in conjunction with other herbs, as a cure for Cholera, stomach upsets, indigestion and also as an appetite stimulant. |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31925 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6327 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
