Zingiber zerumbet ( awapuhi ), also known as bitter ginger , ginger shampoo ( Malay = lempoyang or pinecone ginger , is a strong species of ginger family with leaf stems that grow up to about 1.2 m (3.9 ft). It is found in many tropical countries. The rhizomes of Z. zerumbet have been used as food seasonings and appetizers in various cuisines while rhizome extracts have been used in herbal medicine.
Video Zingiber zerumbet
Description
Zingiber zerumbet is immortal. From autumn to spring, the tree falls asleep on the ground when the leaf stems wither and die, leaving a pale brown trunk (rhizome) that is pale on the ground. In spring, the plant reappears. Leaves 10-12 in the shape of a 15-20 cm long blade grow in an alternative arrangement on a thin, erect stem with a height of 1.2 m (3.9 ft). Among the leafy stems, a cone-shaped or dome-shaped flower head erupts on a separate and shorter stalk. It comes in the summer, once the shade has grown for a while. The flower head is initially green and has a length of 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 inches) with overlapping scales, overlaid with small yellowish white flowers that stick out some at a time. As the flower head matures, they are gradually filled with scented, slimy fluid, and change the brighter red color. Flower stalks usually remain hidden under the petiole.
Maps Zingiber zerumbet
Distribution
This plant, originating from India to Southeast Asia, is distributed eastward via Polynesia and introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the early Polynesian settler canoes.
Subspesies Zingiber zerumbet subsp. cochinchinense (Gagnep.) Triboun & amp; K.Larsen (formerly Z. Cochinchinense ) was found in Vietnam.
Mythology
'Awapuhi is said to be one of Kinolau , some form, from the god Kane of Hawaii.
Practice indigenous
Leaf and petiole, which are also fragrant, are used in roasting in imitation, underground oven, to enhance the taste of pork and fish when cooked. Traditionally, the aromatic rhizomes are sliced, dried, and ground into powder, then added to the folds of the stored kapa ( tapa ) cloth.
Perhaps the most common use of 'awapuhi is as a shampoo and conditioner for hair. The clear and slimy juice in the head of an adult flower is very good for softening and carrying the luster of hair. It can be left in the hair or rinsed. Hawaiian women often pick or cut flowers on these plants in the forest, as they approach ponds or waterfalls for a refreshing summer bath, leave flowers on nearby rocks, and then squeeze the sweet juice onto their hair and over their bodies when swimming done. Foamy juice is excellent for massage, too.
References
Gallery
External links
- Media related to Zingiber zerumbet on Wikimedia Commons
- Data associated with Zingiber zerumbet on Wikispecies
- Details about Zingiber zerumbet
- Canoe Plants
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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