2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Kempferia (lat. Kaempferia) - a genus of perennial plants of the Ginger family, including about 50 species. In nature, kaempferia is found in tropical Asia and Africa. The genus got its name in honor of the German traveler, naturalist and botanist Engelbert Kempfer.
Characteristics of culture
Kempferia is a herbaceous rhizome plant up to 50-70 cm high. Vegetative organs, as well as seeds of the culture, contain a large amount of essential oils with a rich specific aroma. Rhizomes of Kaempferia are thickened, growing sympodially. The leaves are green, smooth. Some forms of kaempferia have leaves covered with a discreet and at the same time spectacular pattern.
The flowers are fragrant, pink or white, three-petalled, with a bright pink or purple lip. Kempferia blooms in June-August. The flowering time directly depends on the growing conditions. Kaempfer is grown as an indoor and garden plant, often they can be found in greenhouses and greenhouses.
Views
As you know, the genus Kempferia has more than 50 species, but only two species are most widespread in culture:
* Kempferia galanga (lat. Kaempferia galanga) is a flowering plant that grows mainly in South India and Southeast Asia.
* Round Kempferia (lat. Kaempferia rotunda) is a plant with large patterned leaves that have a purple color on the back. Found naturally in Southeast Asia.
The subtleties of growing
Kempferia is a thermophilic plant, it has a negative attitude to a decrease in temperature, even for a short period. Does not tolerate direct sunlight, develops best in semi-shaded areas. In indoor conditions, plants are kept on the east or west windows. The optimum temperature for growth and development is 24-30C. In winter, the air temperature should not fall below 15C.
Kemferia is propagated by seeds and dividing the root. In Russia, only the second breeding method is acceptable. The culture is quite demanding to care for, it needs regular feeding and watering. When grown indoors, feeding is carried out from spring to autumn, with the onset of cold weather, feeding is completely stopped, and watering is sharply reduced. In winter, temperatures should not exceed 20-23C, since the kaempfer rhizomes are affected by fungi.
Application
First of all, campfires are valued for their decorativeness. They decorate the interiors of any premises. Kempferias look great in the garden, along with other flower crops. The only negative is that the culture is capable of developing only in the southern regions, in which there are no negative temperatures in the winter season.
Some types of campfires are used as a spice, their roots are added to soups, marinades and sauces. In tropical countries, plants are used to treat malaria and colds. Decoctions from the root of Kaempferia galanga are useful for pains of various kinds and general ailments. In Asian countries, tonic and anti-aging drinks are prepared from the campfire.
