Name:
Alpinia galangal (Ginger, Thai Galangal)
Sun:
prefers partial shade
Soil:
OK in predominantly clay soil
Mature height:
7 to 8 feet
Bloom time:
Small flower spikes in spring to summer
Comments:
Dies back with hard freezes, but returns in spring Galangal, called kah in Thai and known variously as "galanga" and "laos root," is a spicy rhizome related to the common ginger but with a personality distinctly its own. Our Galangal was obtained from Pam Maneeratana, known locally as the daughter of Sue Snyder, owner of Bahn Thai restaurant. You may have also seen Pam demonstrating the art of Kae – Sa – Luk, Thai fruit and vegetable carving, at local Asian festivals. Pam and Sue love to provide my husband with authentic Thai ingredients since he frequently has dinner parties where he cooks Asian food.