Zingiber officinale
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Species name: Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale or Ginger is a plant native to India. India is the largest producer of ginger, accounting for 30% of the world production. It is closely related to Turmeric and Cardamom. Ginger is widely used in India and around the world in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
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Angiosperm phylogeny. This image is copyrighted. Rights owned by Theodore C.H.Cole (Heidelberg) and Hartmut H. Hilger (Berlin) 2010. Please obtain copyright permissions before reuse.
Click here for the PDF of the phylogeny
- Species identity and nomenclature
- Current Wikipedia entry
- Binomial Classification
- Morphological features
- Habitat and Geographical Spread
- Maps
- Medicinal Importance
- Cultural significance
- Commercial importance and cultivation
- Summary of PubMed articles
- Summary of NCBI molecular data
- External Links
- Images and Videos
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Names of users who have contributed to this species page | Gauravm | |
| Date on which this page was first created | 2010/08/14 | |
| This page was last modified on: | 24 November 2010 05:12:07 | |
| Name of the species | Zingiber officinale | |
| ID on Encyclopedia of Life | 987032 | |
| Synonyms | Please check Binomial Classification section for synonyms. | |
| Common English Names | Garden ginger | |
| Common Hindi Names | अदरक Adrak | |
| Common Indian names | अदरक Adrak (Hindi);শীঙ Shing (Manipuri);आले, सुंठ Alha, Aale (Marathi);இஞ்சி Ingee, Inji (Tamil);ഇഞ്ചി Inchi, Enchi (Malayalam);అల్లపు చెట్టు, అల్లము, శొంటి Allam, Allamu, Allamu chettu, Shonti (Telugu);Alla, Shunthi (Kannada);আদা Ada (Bengali);ଅଦା Ada (Oriya);ادرک, آدی Adrak, Adi (Urdu);আদা Ada (Assamese);આદું Adu, સૂંઠ Sunth (Gujarati);Adraka (Sanskrit);अदुवा Aduwa (Nepali) | Flowers of India |
| Origins/Meanings of the common names | The English name ginger comes from the French gingembre, from medieval Latin ginginer, from Greek ζιγγίβερις zingiberis, from Pali सिन्गिभेर siṅgivera, ultimately of Dravidian origin from Tamil இஞ்ஜி inji ver (meaning root of inji). The Latin word was borrowed at an earlier date into Old English as gingifere, but the French form ultimately supplanted it. | Wikipedia |
Taxonomy from Encyclopedia of Life
If nothing is displayed in this section, it means the EoL ID has not been defined. Please click on Edit with form button on top and follow the instructions for filling in the EoL ID
{{#EoLOnlyHierarchy:987032}}
Taxonomy filled in form
Click here for the PDF of the phylogeny
| Taxon | Value |
|---|---|
| Regnum (Kingdom) | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Zingiber |
| Source of data | ' |
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| Division | Taxon details | Taxon morphology details |
|---|---|---|
| Magnoliophyta | Also called Angiospermae. The ancestors of flowering plants diverged from gymnosperms around 245–202 million years ago, and the first flowering plants known to exist are from 140 million years ago. They diversified enormously during the Lower Cretaceous and became widespread around 100 million years ago, but replaced conifers as the dominant trees only around 60-100 million years ago. | These are seed plants like Gymnosperms, but can be differentiated by the presence of flowers, seeds containing endosperm and seeds that produce a fruit. Angiosperms are the most diverse and highly evolutionarily successful group of land plants. |
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| Class | Taxon details | Taxon morphology details |
|---|---|---|
| Liliopsida | Liliopsida is considered the scientific name for monocots, but monocots may be called differently based on different taxonomic classification systems. Based on chloroplast DNA sequences, the divergence date between monocots and dicots is estimated to be ~200 million years, with a 40 million years uncertainty. There are ~50000-60000 species of monocots, with the largest family being Orchidaceae (orchids) consisting of ~20000 species. The true grasses (Poaceae) are the most economically important family, with 70% of the crops being cultivated belonging to this family. | The following features distinguish monocots from dicots - 1) Three flower parts in each flower (vs 4-5 in dicots) 2) One pore in pollen (vs 3) 3) One cotyledon (vs 2) 4) Vascular bundles in stem scattered (vs concentric circles) 5) Adventitious roots (vs radicle-origin) 6) Parallel venation (vs reticulate) These broad distinguishing features indeed have some exceptions |
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| Family | Taxon details | Taxon morphology details |
|---|---|---|
| Zingiberaceae | Zingiberaceae split off from the genus Costaceae ~79 or ~100 million years ago, based on two estimates (Kress06,Janssen04). The family consists of over 93 genera and over 2000 different species, with the center of diversity in South-East Asia. | Small to large herbaceous plants, distichous leaves with basal sheaths that overlap to form a pseudostem. Plants are either self-supporting or epiphytic. Flowers are hermaphroditic, usually strongly zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), in determinate cymose inflorescences, with conspicuous, spirally arranged bracts. The perianth is composed of two whorls, a fused tubular calyx, and a tubular corolla with one lobe larger than the other two. Flowers typically have two of their stamenoids (sterile stamens) fused to form a petaloid lip, and have only one fertile stamen. The ovary is inferior and topped by two nectaries, the stigma is funnel-shaped. |
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Based on classification
| Family | Taxon details | Taxon morphology details |
|---|---|---|
| Zingiberaceae | Zingiberaceae split off from the genus Costaceae ~79 or ~100 million years ago, based on two estimates (Kress06,Janssen04). The family consists of over 93 genera and over 2000 different species, with the center of diversity in South-East Asia. | Small to large herbaceous plants, distichous leaves with basal sheaths that overlap to form a pseudostem. Plants are either self-supporting or epiphytic. Flowers are hermaphroditic, usually strongly zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), in determinate cymose inflorescences, with conspicuous, spirally arranged bracts. The perianth is composed of two whorls, a fused tubular calyx, and a tubular corolla with one lobe larger than the other two. Flowers typically have two of their stamenoids (sterile stamens) fused to form a petaloid lip, and have only one fertile stamen. The ovary is inferior and topped by two nectaries, the stigma is funnel-shaped. |
More details can be found in the Binomial Classification section.
Morphology from Encyclopedia of Life
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{{#EoLOnlyDescription:987032}}
General morphology
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| General morphological features of the plant | Rhizomes branched, yellowish inside, thickened, fleshy, strongly aromatic. Pseudostems 50--100 cm. Leaves sessile; ligule slightly 2-lobed, 2--4 mm, membranous; leaf blade lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, 15--30 × 2--2.5 cm, glabrescent. Inflorescences arising from rhizomes, ovoid, 4--5 × ca. 1.5 cm; peduncle to 25 cm; bracts pale green, sometimes yellowish at margin, ovate, ca. 2.5 cm, apex mucronate; bracteoles equaling bracts. Calyx ca. 1 cm. Corolla yellowish green; tube 2--2.5 cm; lobes lanceolate, ca. 1.8 cm. Central lobe of labellum with purple stripe and cream blotches, oblong-obovate, shorter than corolla lobes; lateral lobes ovate, ca. 6 mm, free nearly to base. Stamen dark purple; anther ca. 9 mm; connective appendage curved, ca. 7 mm. Fl. Oct. 2 n = 22*."Rhizomes branched, yellowish inside, thickened, fleshy, strongly aromatic. Pseudostems 50--100 cm. Leaves sessile; ligule slightly 2-lobed, 2--4 mm, membranous; leaf blade lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, 15--30 × 2--2.5 cm, glabrescent. Inflorescences arising from rhizomes, ovoid, 4--5 × ca. 1.5 cm; peduncle to 25 cm; bracts pale green, sometimes yellowish at margin, ovate, ca. 2.5 cm, apex mucronate; bracteoles equaling bracts. Calyx ca. 1 cm. Corolla yellowish green; tube 2--2.5 cm; lobes lanceolate, ca. 1.8 cm. Central lobe of labellum with purple stripe and cream blotches, oblong-obovate, shorter than corolla lobes; lateral lobes ovate, ca. 6 mm, free nearly to base. Stamen dark purple; anther ca. 9 mm; connective appendage curved, ca. 7 mm. Fl. Oct. 2 n = 22*." cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. | EoL |
| Seed dispersal mechanism | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bloom type | Perennial | Wikipedia |
| Life cycle of the plant |
How to identify this species
For a detailed description, refer to the General Morphology details above
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Type of plant | Herb | |
| Plant height | Up to 3 feet | |
| Flower color | Yellow | Wikipedia |
| Flower shape | ||
| Floral symmetry | Bilateral | Wikipedia |
| Phyllotaxy of leaves | Alternate | |
| Leaf shape | Lanceolate | EoL |
| Is the leaf petiolated or sessile? | Sessile | EoL |
| Is the leaf simple or compound? | Simple | EoL |
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Conservation Status | Least Concern | Kew Botanical Gardens |
| Indian States in which the species has been documented | Assam,Bihar,Delhi,Goa,Karnataka,Kerala,Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra,Rajasthan,Sikkim,Tamil Nadu,Tripura,Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal | Plant Database of India |
| Locations at which the species has been documented | ||
| Biotic zones inhabited | Northeastern Himalayas, Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, Central Deccan Plateau, Indo-Gangetic Plain | |
| Details about the habitat | Ginger probably originated as part of the ground flora of tropical lowland forests, where many of its wild relatives can still be found. In cultivation it requires hot, humid, shady conditions and grows best in a fertile loam as it needs large quantities of nutrients. | Kew Botanical Gardens |
| Is this species native to India? | Yes | Flowers of India, Kew |
| Is the species indigenous/endemic to Sub-Himalayan regions? | ||
| Is the species indigenous/endemic to Western Ghats? | Yes | Gauravm,Plant Database of India |
| Is the species indigenous/endemic to Eastern Ghats? |
More plants native to India
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If no maps are displayed below, it means the required data is absent. Click on "Edit with form" button on top of the page to add this information.
{{#generateMap:Assam,Bihar,Delhi,Goa,Karnataka,Kerala,Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra,Rajasthan,Sikkim,Tamil Nadu,Tripura,Uttar Pradesh,West Bengal|Zingiber_officinale_brahma.svg|align=center}}
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Does this species have any medicinal use? | Yes |
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Other plants of the same family having medicinal use:
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| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| General types of ailments this species is used for treating | Pains and Inflammation, Organ-specific disorders, Mental disorders, Cancer | |
| Specific ailments for which the species is used | Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach disorders, Heart disease, Common cold, Cough, congestive headache, Headaches, Heat cramps, Arthritis, Cancer | Wikipedia |
| Medicinal systems which use this plant | Ayurveda, Unani, Folk Medicine, Modern Medicine | Wikipedia, Sasya Sampada |
| Details of Medicinal use | In Unani system of medicine the rhizomes are used in stomachic, aphrodisiac, tonic, expectorant, carminative. It also used in removal of pain due to cold and warms from the brain. Ginger is very useful in piles, rheumatism, headach, lumbago, pains. | Sasya Sampada |
| Parts of the plant used for treatment | Root, Rhizome | |
| Names of some medicinal active compounds in this plant, if known. | Zingeberene, Zingeberol, Gingerol, Paradol, Shogaol | Himalaya |
| Details of the active chemical compounds found in this plant | Over 400 different compounds have been identified in Ginger. Several volatile oils and sesquiterpenes give ginger its characteristic aroma. Gingerol, Paradol, Shogaol have been proven in many drug tests to have apoptotic activity in mice. Effect of ginger extract on platelet aggregation, osteoarthritic pain relief, pregnancy-related nausea have been documented, but remain inconclusive. | |
| Is the molecular basis of the medicinal action known? | ||
| Details of molecular basis of action | ||
| Are the toxic effects of consumption of this plant known? | Yes | Kew |
| Details of the toxic effects of the plant species | High dosage may cause side-effects in pregnant women. It is also known to cause allergies in some people (Kew). Ginger is contraindicated in people suffering from gallstones as it promotes the production of bile (Wikipedia). | Kew Botanical Gardens, Wiki Ginger |
| Have there been validation/clinical studies related to this plant? | ||
| Details of the clinical studies related to the plant species |
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Is this plant/plant-derived product used in food preparations? | Yes | User-reported |
| Part(s) of the plant used in the food preparations | Root, Rhizomes | |
| Details of use in food preparations | Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or just cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can also be stewed in boiling water to make ginger tea, to which honey is often added; sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added. Ginger can also be made into candy.
Mature ginger roots are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from old ginger roots is extremely potent and is often used as a spice in Indian recipes. Ginger acts as a useful food preservative. Powdered dry ginger root is typically used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cake, ginger ale, and ginger beer. Candied ginger is the root cooked in sugar until soft, and is a type of confectionery. In India, fresh ginger is one of the main spices used for making pulse and lentil curries and other vegetable preparations. Fresh as well as dried ginger is used to spice tea and coffee especially in winter. Ginger powder is also used in certain food preparations particularly for pregnant or nursing women, the most popular one being Katlu which is a mixture of gum resin, ghee, nuts, and sugar. Ginger is also consumed in candied and pickled form. Ginger rolls are also used as a digestive after-dinner eats. Source: Wikipedia |
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| Does this species have any religious significance? | Yes | User-reported |
| Religions which mention/give significance to this species | Hinduism | |
| Religious occasions | ||
| Details of religious use |
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Is this plant cultivated commercially in India? | Yes | |
| Uses for which the plant is commercially cultivated | Human consumption, Medicinal use, Cosmetic use, Religious use | |
| Plant parts of commercial value | Root, Rhizomes | |
| Products where this plant is used | User-reported | |
| Description of use | ||
| States where this plant is cultivated commercially | ||
| Best period for planting this plant | ||
| Best period for harvesting this plant | ||
| Method of propagation | ||
| Water requirement of this plant | ||
| Pests and Diseases affecting this plant during cultivation | ||
| Other considerations while cultivating this plant | Ginger probably originated as part of the ground flora of tropical lowland forests, where many of its wild relatives can still be found. In cultivation it requires hot, humid, shady conditions and grows best in a fertile loam as it needs large quantities of nutrients.
Zingiber officinale has been successfully propagated at Kew using internodal cuttings. The cuttings are placed in a shallow pot in a mixture of coir and perlite. The pot is placed in a misting unit (or, if not available, in a closed glass case), which is heated at the base to 20 ˚C. It takes time for any activity to become visible, but eventually new roots and shoots are produced. It has been noted that this method produces vigorous plants. The traditional technique for propagation of ginger is by division. |
Kew Botanical Gardens |
Pubmed Word cloud
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- If there is an error message below, it means that there is no retrievable information available on NCBI
- If the number of nucleotide sequences is less than 100, very little genomic work has been done on this species. A respectable number of nucleotide sequences is above 10000.
- Most of the nucleotide sequences may come from three sources:
- Studies on single genes, where people try to sequence genes such as some specific dehydrogenases important,say, for tannin production
- Sequences of Ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer, whose sequence is used for generating molecular phylogenetic trees to establish species relationships
- Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) which can tell about which genes are present and expressed in the species at a particular time in the given tissue
{{#queryDB:taxonomy |Zingiber officinale }}
| Parameter | Value(s) | References See complete references in the References section at the end |
|---|---|---|
| Details of modern scientific knowledge available for this species | Several tens of thousands of EST sequences available on GenBank. (Aug 2010). Most of the molecular data comes from metabolite and chemical data obtained from juices obtained from rhizome. | NCBI |
| Are herbarium specimen available for this species? | ||
| Institutes having herbarium samples |
If nothing is displayed in this section, it means the EoL ID has not been defined. Please click on Edit with form button on top and follow the instructions for filling in the EoL ID
{{#EoLOnlyAdditionalInfo:987032}}
References
Kew Botanical Gardens (Web): Kew entry on Ginger, Accessdate=2010-08-14
Flowers of India (Web): Flowers of India entry on Ginger, Accessdate=2010-08-14
EoL (Web): Encyclopedia of Life entry on Ginger, Accessdate=2010-08-14
Himalaya (Web): Himalaya Monograph on Ginger, Accessdate=2010-08-16
Sasya Sampada (Web): Link to Sasya Sampada entry, Accessdate=2010-08-20
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