Home · Herb knowledge · Galangal
One shop word, more than one plantGalangal is not a species.
Galangal is a shop word for more than one ginger-family rhizome. Greater galangal is Alpinia galanga. Lesser galangal is Alpinia officinarum. Kacholam / kencur is Kaempferia galanga. This page will not pick a winner.
Choose the botanical page
- Perarattai · Alpinia galanga
Alpinia galanga — perarattai, the tall leafy greater galangal.
- Lesser galangal · Alpinia officinarum
Alpinia officinarum — sitrarattai, the smaller hotter Chinese rhizome.
- Kacholam · Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga — kacholam, the stemless kencur rhizome.
This word names more than one plant, so check the botanical name before you buy or use it. If the plant you meant is not listed, we have not written it yet. Educational only. Not medical advice and not a shop.