Etlingera elatior
27 April
Posted at 14:37h
in Plant of the Week
Etlingera elatior
Torch ginger is native to Thailand, Malaysia and New Guinea. It is sold as a cut flower, used for cooking and used as a medicinal herb.
Torch ginger flowers can be found in flower markets and floral shops in the tropics and with modern transportation all over the world. Stems and flowers are sliced and added to curries, soups, salads and stir- fried vegetables. The flowers are used in the flavoring of tea. The rhizome has many healing properties, it is a true super plant! It is antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can be used for wound treatment, earaches, body odor, bug repellent, and an expectorant.
Not only is it good medicine it is a real show stopper in the garden!