Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Sm.
Torch Ginger / Kantan/Kecumbrang/Tepus kampung/Tepus kantan (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 6 m tall. Leaves are simple, in alternate arrangement, smooth and glabrous. Leaf blade is narrowly linear, acuminate at apex, rounded at base with slightly wavy and entire margin. Pseudostems are closely clumping and swollen at the base. Inflorescence a terminal head, the base is surrounded by numerous red bracts. Flowers are pink to red or white, thin and spirally overlapping. Fruit a globose capsule with flattened top that contains many black seeds.
Locally, the herb is used to treat flatulence for children and hepatitis problem. The roots are made into a decoction with areca palm ( Areca catechu ), applied and wrapped around the affected area with clean bandage. Alternatively, matured yellow fruits can be soaked with warm water as herbal bath.
It prefers moist but well- drained sandy soil under direct sunlight. It thrives in open lowland and near villages.
Rhizome division.
Native to Southeast Asia; India, Sri Lanka and the eastern Himalayas.
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