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Kaempferia rotunda

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Kaempferia rotunda L.

Family Name: Zingiberaceae
Synonyms: Kaempferia bhucampac, Kaempferia longa, Kaempferia versicolor
Common Name: Bhui-champha, Resurrection Lily, Blackhorm, 海南三七

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Monsoon Forest, Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Perennial herb.
Roots Small, tuber-like roots form off the underground stem, known as a rhizome.
Foliage The erect leaves are broad-lanceolate, measuring around 17-27 cm long. The upper side of the leaf is light-green, and dark-green along the mid-rib. The under side of the leaf is purplish.
Stems This plant does not have a true stem aboveground. The underground stem, known as a rhizome, produces leaves with long stalks and also the flowering stem.
Flowers Its flower arises from the underground rhizome, white with two purple lower lobes. The flowering stem is produced when the plant is leafless.
Ethnobotanical Uses Food (Herb or Spice): The rhizome and young leaves are used as a spice to add flavour to food. However, care must be taken to avoid consuming excessive amounts of rhizome juice which can cause vomiting and salivation.
Medicinal: The rhizome juice is used to treat throat problems, but the juice can cause vomiting and much salivation. Always consult your doctor before trying to use a plant medicinally. In India, the rhizome is dried, crushed into a powder and applied as a poultice to patients with mumps. The rhizome poultice is thought to promote the formation of pus. A study by Mohanty et al. (2008) showed that the rhizome has strong antioxidant activity which can neutralize the disease-inducing effects of harmful free radicals.  

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses Container Planting

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed, Storage Organ

Foliar

Foliage Retention Drought / Semi-Deciduous
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green, Green - Light Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Thin

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Purple, White

Image Repository

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Master ID 30041
Species ID 4350
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.
Species record last updated on: 14 October 2021.
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