Alpinia nutans

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Alpinia nutans is a plant species in the family Zingiberaceae, commonly known as the "shell ginger" or "shell flower". This plant is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Description[edit | edit source]

Alpinia nutans is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters in height. It has long, narrow leaves that are dark green on the top and lighter on the bottom. The flowers are white with a yellow center and are arranged in a drooping inflorescence. The fruit is a small, round capsule containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

Alpinia nutans is native to Asia, specifically the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, South America, and the Caribbean. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Alpinia nutans has a variety of uses. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomachaches, fevers, and respiratory problems. It is also used in the culinary world, where its leaves are used to wrap food for cooking.

Cultivation[edit | edit source]

Alpinia nutans is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of a range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD