Lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum)

Alpinia officinarum is lesser galangal, a ginger-family plant from southern China whose small, reddish-brown rhizome is hotter and more aromatic than the greater galangal of Thai cooking. It was one of the prized spices of medieval Europe, and it is the khulanjan of Unani medicine. In India it is a spice-shop and traditional-medicine item, not a common garden plant.

Botanical name: Alpinia officinarum Hance
Family: Zingiberaceae
Tamil: Sitrarattai
Hindi: Kulanjan chhota
Parts used: Rhizome
Habit: Smaller Alpinia; galangal is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise Lesser galangal

It is a leafy perennial up to about a metre tall, with narrow, pointed leaves on reed-like stems.

Flowers are white with red streaks, in short spikes at the shoot tips.

The rhizome is thin, branched and reddish-brown, with an intensely spicy, peppery, camphor-like taste.

Greater galangal, Alpinia galanga, is much taller, with a thicker, paler rhizome. Kacholam, Kaempferia galanga, is a small ground-hugging plant with round leaves.

Dried pieces are sold in Indian herb shops as small, hard, reddish-brown chunks.

Traditional use of Lesser galangal

Medieval European spice

Galingale was traded from China to Europe through the Middle Ages and used in cooking and digestive remedies.

Spice trade history

Unani

Khulanjan is used in Unani formulations, mainly for digestion and for coughs.

Unani materia medica

Modern notes on Lesser galangal

The rhizome contains galangin and other flavonoids, plus aromatic essential oils. Most studies are laboratory work.

In the spice trade it is often confused with greater galangal. The two are sold under similar names.

Lesser galangal safety

Use it as a spice in normal cooking amounts.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to southern China, especially Hainan and Guangdong.

Most supply is cultivated, and it is not a common wild plant in India.

Like most gingers it needs warmth, humidity and some shade.

Related plants

Also in Zingiberaceae

Questions about Lesser galangal

Is Lesser galangal the galangal in Thai food?

No. Thai cooking mostly uses greater galangal, Alpinia galanga.

Is Lesser galangal ginger?

It is a ginger relative, not Zingiber officinale.

What is khulanjan?

Its name in Unani medicine.

How is Lesser galangal used in cooking?

Sparingly, dried and ground, in spice mixes, much as ginger is.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.