Galangal (Alpinia galanga)

FamilyZingiberaceae
Scientific nameAlpinia galanga
Common name (English)Galangal
Common name (Malay)Lengkuas
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Alpinia galanga, commonly known as greater galangal, is a perennial rhizomatous herb in the Zingiberaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, it is cultivated for its aromatic rhizomes, which are widely used as a spice in culinary dishes, particularly in Thai and Indonesian cuisine. Traditionally, the rhizomes have been valued in folk medicine for their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. With its culinary, medicinal, and cultural significance, Alpinia galanga remains an important species in tropical gardens, kitchens, and traditional herbal practices.