Wild ginger belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Wild ginger is native to southern tropical Africa (south of Malawi to the eastern part of South Africa) and in South Africa, it is dis- tributed in Mpumalanga and Limpopo (extinct in KwaZulu-Natal). a well-drained, red and yellowish-brown soil rich in organic matter.
What is African ginger?
African Ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) is a popular Zulu herbal medicine that was believed to offer protection against snakes and lightning. More conventionally it was found to aid digestion, relieve sinusitis and asthma as well as reducing fevers by inducing sweating.
Is African ginger edible?
The roots and rhizomes of the plant are most commonly used. They can either be chewed or dried and used in a tea-like infusion containing water. African ginger has a sweet but spicy taste, like regular ginger. It is a pleasant and unmistakable taste and aroma.
Where does African ginger grow?
Wild ginger is originated in Southern tropical Africa (south of Malawi to the eastern part of South Africa). It has a restricted distribution in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia. It is currently grown mainly in the Mpumalanga Province, after becoming extinct in KwaZulu-Natal.
What is wild ginger in Zulu?
Common names: Natal ginger, Wild ginger (English); Wildegemmer (Afrikaans); indungulo, isiphephetho (Zulu)
Is ginger native to Nigeria?
Ginger is known to be a very successful export crop in Nigeria. The perennial crop grows in a tropical environment and is family to Zingiberaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, originated in south China, and has since expanded throughout Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean.
Where did ginger originate from Africa or China?
Origin and distribution
Ginger originated from Maritime Southeast Asia. It is a true cultigen and does not exist in its wild state. The most ancient evidence of its domestication is among the Austronesian peoples where it was among several species of ginger cultivated and exploited since ancient times.
Why is wild ginger a problem?
Why is wild ginger a problem? Wild ginger can take over forest areas. It forms large mats of tubers (tube-like thickened stems) as it grows. These big tubers can smother native plants and stop light getting to them, threatening their survival.
How poisonous is wild ginger?
It does contain detectable levels of Aristolochic acid which is a known kidney toxin. In very high does, that can be fatal. You’d need to eat an absurd quantity of wild ginger for fatal results, but be careful using it at all if you have kidney issues.
What are the benefits of African ginger?
aethiopicus is used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as respiratory problems (including cough, influenza), pain, inflammation and malaria. Extracts of African ginger are used as an ingredient in some commercialised products for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.
Which country grows the best ginger?
India
Ginger Production
| # | 39 Countries | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | #1 India | 1,788,000.00 |
| 2 | #2 Nigeria | 691,239.00 |
| 3 | #3 China | 605,123.00 |
| 4 | #4 Nepal | 297,512.00 |
Where is ginger found naturally?
Southeast Asia
Edible or culinary ginger is the fat, knobby, aromatic rhizome of Zingiber officinale, a tender herbaceous perennial plant in the large ginger family (Zingiberaceae) native to humid, partly-shaded habitats in moist tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia.
Where is ginger indigenous?
southeastern Asia
ginger, (Zingiber officinale), herbaceous perennial plant of the family Zingiberaceae, probably native to southeastern Asia, or its pungent aromatic rhizome (underground stem) used as a spice, flavouring, food, and medicine.
Is Jamaican ginger different?
Spice Description
A piece of the rhizome, called a ‘hand’. It has a pale yellow interior and a skin varying in colour from brown to off-white. Jamaican ginger, which is pale buff, is regarded as the best variety.
What is the difference between ginger and wild ginger?
Wild ginger, Asarum canadense, is unrelated to commercially available ginger; however, it is named wild ginger because of the similar taste and smell of the roots. Early European settlers used to dry the rootstalk, grind it to a powder and use it as a spice.
What does wild ginger cure?
The plant was a popular carminative and used to relieve generally upset stomachs. It was also used to treat intestinal ailments, and relieve stomach aches and cramps, as well as indigestion. Wild Ginger was used to treat colic as well, leading to another of its many common names: Colic Root.
Who first found ginger?
Interestingly, ginger does not grow in the wild and its actual origins are uncertain. Indians and Chinese are believed to have produced ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years to treat many ailments, and this plant is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics, with India being the largest producer.
Who brought ginger to the Caribbean?
Jamaica Yellow Variety Botanical Name and Origin: Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) has its origins in Asia and was introduced by the Spanish to Jamaica in the early 1700s.
Which ethnic group does ginger come from?
Botanically, ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae (giner) family. Ginger is indigenous to Southern China. In 2019, the following countries produced most of the world’s ginger: India – 38%, China – 25%, Nigeria – 15%, Nepal – 6%, Indonesia – 4%, and Thailand – 4% (2).
Where did ginger Gene originate?
These red hair variants in MC1R likely first appeared in ancient humans around 30,000-80,000 years ago, at about the same time as early migrations out of Africa. Scientists used to think red hair evolved to help people produce Vitamin D in chilly places with little sunlight (think Ireland).
Did Greeks have red hair?
The answer is no. Greeks were and are mediterranean people. They have always been brown haired in majority, in many cases black-haired and there is also a percentage which has lighter features like blonde and red hair. In ancient times those who were blonde or red, are explicitely mentioned.