Zingiber officinale - Ginger

Zingiber officinale
Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae

Originating in the jungles of South-East Asia, it was imported by Greeks and Romans to the North-West, and was taken by the migrants across the islands of Pacific as far as New Zealand and Madagascar. It was thought to be so valuable that Arab traders mislead rivals as to its origin by inventing a place called ‘Troglodyticall Arabia.’

Ginger is easy to grow from fresh rhizomes, suitable as a primary industry crop or in a home garden situation for its attractive foliage while waiting for the rhizome to develop. For agricultural purposes the plant is treated as an annual for harvest.
Ginger prefers warm, humid environment, and filtered sun or partial shade. 24°C in greenhouses. Grow them in a rich, moist but well-drained soil, with pH of 4.5-7.5. They do best in tropical zones.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid strong winds and frosts.

Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: bright green
Surface: smooth
Size: 15 long, 1-3cm wide
Arrangement: alternate
Cycle: perennial.

Flower
Colour/s: Light green
Inflorescence: cones

Plant Category: Monocot with rhizome, aromatic bitter herb.
Growth characteristics: Fast-growing; up to 1m tall, 50cm wide
Potential horticultural use: attractive foliage, culinary
Horticultural limitations: does not tolerate cold well
Propagation methods: division of rhizomes

Culinary: Rhizomes used fresh, dried, cooked. Keeps well frozen.
Farmaceutical: Keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Treatment of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia; vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. Prevention of migraine, osteo-arthritis, and cancer activities. Relieves symptoms of abdominal bloating, rheumatoid arthritis, and acts as thrombotic and inflammatory agent. It also has depressant, diarrhoea and strong oxidant activity. Inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane formation and has strong nutrient properties similar to that of bromelain for inflammation.
Aromatic: Essential oil, flavouring.
Pagan lore: sexuality, love, courage, money, prosperity.