Family: Zingiberaceae
Synonym:Alpinia allughas (Retz.) Roscoe, Zingiber nigrum Gaertn.
Bengali/Vernacular name:Jongli ada, Ora, Falachanga (Bengali); Tara (Chittagong).
Tribal name: Krenga (Chakma), Khangki (Chak), Bawngkawr (Lushai), Kom hing (Murang), Bawnkawr (Pangkhoa), Cheing-yan (Rakhaing), Tara (Tanchangya).
English name: Black-fruited galangal.
Description of the plant: An herb with 2-5 m leafy stem and stoloniferous rhizome. Leaves 35-75 cm long, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous and glossy on both surfaces.Inflorescence terminal, paniculate, lax, rachis pubescent, flowers greenish-white with pinkish tip. Fruit a capsule, globose, black, 1.25 cm across.
Plant parts used: Leaf, rhizome.
Herbal uses:Pills made from the rhizomes of the plant are taken with warm water three times a day (one pill each time) until the bronchitis is cured.
An extract made from the rhizome of the plant is mixed with salt and water, and then it is taken twice a day (10 ml amount each time) for one week to treat hyperacidity.
Pea-sized pills made with the leaves of the plant are taken twice a day (two pills each time) for two weeks to treat abdominal pain.
Pea-sized pills made with the rhizome of the plant are taken in empty stomach twice a day (two pills each time) until the piles is cured.
Cottonseed-sized pills made with the dried rhizomes of the plant and salt are taken with thrice a day (one pill each time) for seven days to treat schizophrenia.
A fresh juice extracted from rhizome of the plant is applied to the infected skin twice a day for three days to treat skin disease.
A decoction made with the rhizome of the plant is taken thrice a day for seven days to treat dyspepsia and flatulence.
Pills prepared from the rhizome of the plant are given for the treatment of impotence.
Distribution: This species is found all over the Bangladesh by the side of the streams, canals and low lying areas.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
