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Useful Tropical Plants

Renealmia alpinia

(Rottb.) Maas

Zingiberaceae

+ Synonyms

Alpinia bicalyculata Sessé & Moc.

Alpinia exaltata (L.f.) Roem. & Schult.

Alpinia macrantha Poepp. & Endl.

Alpinia pacoseroca Jacq.

Alpinia renealmia (Lam.) Sm.

Alpinia tubulata Ker Gawl.

Amomum renealmia Lam.

Amomum repens Lam.

Ethanium bracteosum (Griseb.) Kuntze

Ethanium exaltatum (L.f.) Kuntze

Ethanium macranthum (Poepp. & Endl.) Kuntze

Ethanium pacoseroca (Jacq.) Kuntze

Gethyra tubulata (Ker Gawl.) Sweet

Peperidium tubulatum Lindl.

Renealmia bracteosa Griseb.

Renealmia coelobractea K.Schum.

Renealmia exaltata L.f.

Renealmia foliosa S.Moore

Renealmia goyazensis K.Schum. & Gagnep.

Renealmia lativagina J.F.Macbr.

Renealmia macrantha Poepp. & Endl.

Renealmia occidentalis pacoderoca (Jacq.) Petersen

Renealmia pacoseroca (Jacq.) Horan.

Renealmia raja Petersen

Renealmia rubroflava K.Schum.

Siphotria squamosa Raf.

Common Name:

Renealmia alpinia
Plant growing in native habitat - note the fruits are produced near the base of the plant
Photograph by: Dick Culbert
Creative Commons License
Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia Renealmia alpinia

General Information

Renealmia alpinia is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow from 1 - 6 metres tall from a rhizome that can be 10 - 30cm thick. The plant often forms large colonies[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
,
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, food flavouring and source of a dye.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
,
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean - Trinidad to Puerto Rico.

Habitat

Wet thickets or dense mixed forest, often forming large colonies, at elevations up to 1,200 metres in Guatemala[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
]. Secondary forest, inundated forest, swamps and stream banks; usually below 500 metres, occasionally ascending to 1,500 metres[
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.
].

Properties

Edibility Rating *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *
HabitPerennial
Height3.00 m
PollinatorsHumming birds
Cultivation StatusWild

Cultivation Details



The light green foliage has a very gingery scent when crushed[
350
Title
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
General information on almost 400 species, with descriptions, habitats and some uses.
].

Edible Uses

The flesh of the fruit is mixed with rice meal, or can be added to soups, where it imparts a pleasant flavour[
592
Title
Contributions to The Flora of Venezuela.
Publication
 
Author
Steyermark J.A. Et al
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Chicago Natural History Museum; Chicago.
Year
1951 - 1957
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent flora, though made at a time when botanical knowledge of the areas was still very lacking.
,
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.
]. The ellipsoid to subglobose, black-purple fruit is 15 - 35mm long and 8 - 20mm wide with a fleshy wall about 2 - 8mm thick[
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.
].

The leaves are wrapped round food when it is baked in order to impart their flavour into the food[
350
Title
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
General information on almost 400 species, with descriptions, habitats and some uses.
].

An oil obtained from the fruits can be used in cooking[
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.
].

Medicinal

The rhizome is carminative, stomachic and tonic[
739
Title
Medicinal Plants of Brazil
Publication
 
Author
Mors W.B.; Rizzini C.T.; Pereira N.A.
Publisher
Reference Publications; Michigan.
Year
2000
ISBN
0-917256-42-5
Description
An extremely concise book, listing approximately 1,500 species and varieties of plants with their botanical name, common name in Brazil, regions in Brazil where the plant is found, a brief list of uses and any medically active compounds in the plant.
]. It is used in a tea to treat heart problems manifested by shortness of breath[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
]. A decoction is drunk to induce vomiting and relieve stomach pains[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
]. It is used in a syrup with sugar as a remedy for chest colds[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
].
A root decoction is used on swellings, sprains, sores, wounds and for stomach pains and malnutrition[
849
Title
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
Publication
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001; 1: 10.
Author
Lans C.; Harper T.; Georges K.; Bridgewater E.
Website
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/10
Publisher
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Year
2001
ISBN
 
Description
The paper is available online.
]. Decoctions or external baths of the rhizome are used by traditional healers for treating snakebites[
849
Title
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
Publication
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001; 1: 10.
Author
Lans C.; Harper T.; Georges K.; Bridgewater E.
Website
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/10
Publisher
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Year
2001
ISBN
 
Description
The paper is available online.
]. The juice of the rhizome is used to treat eye diseases and for treating strained backs[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
]. An infusion is used as a wash for cleaning ulcers[
739
Title
Medicinal Plants of Brazil
Publication
 
Author
Mors W.B.; Rizzini C.T.; Pereira N.A.
Publisher
Reference Publications; Michigan.
Year
2000
ISBN
0-917256-42-5
Description
An extremely concise book, listing approximately 1,500 species and varieties of plants with their botanical name, common name in Brazil, regions in Brazil where the plant is found, a brief list of uses and any medically active compounds in the plant.
].

The shoots are used for treating snakebite and stomachaches[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
].

The purple-red juice from the berries is used to treat eye diseases[
849
Title
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
Publication
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001; 1: 10.
Author
Lans C.; Harper T.; Georges K.; Bridgewater E.
Website
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/10
Publisher
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Year
2001
ISBN
 
Description
The paper is available online.
].

The seeds are anthelmintic and aromatic[
739
Title
Medicinal Plants of Brazil
Publication
 
Author
Mors W.B.; Rizzini C.T.; Pereira N.A.
Publisher
Reference Publications; Michigan.
Year
2000
ISBN
0-917256-42-5
Description
An extremely concise book, listing approximately 1,500 species and varieties of plants with their botanical name, common name in Brazil, regions in Brazil where the plant is found, a brief list of uses and any medically active compounds in the plant.
].

An infusion of the leaves is used as a treatment for dysentery[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
]. The leaves are used in the treatment of hypertension[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
].
A leaf poultice or bath is used on swellings, sprains, sores, wounds and for stomach pains and malnutrition[
849
Title
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
Publication
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001; 1: 10.
Author
Lans C.; Harper T.; Georges K.; Bridgewater E.
Website
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/10
Publisher
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Year
2001
ISBN
 
Description
The paper is available online.
]. A decoction of the leaves is used as a fever-bath for treating pulmonary conditions and typhoid, and to wash the hair in order to remove dandruff[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
]. An infusion is used in a herbal bath for strengthening the nerves[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
].

The leaves contain diterpenes and proanthocyanins[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
,
849
Title
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
Publication
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001; 1: 10.
Author
Lans C.; Harper T.; Georges K.; Bridgewater E.
Website
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/10
Publisher
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Year
2001
ISBN
 
Description
The paper is available online.
].
An ethanolic extract of the rhizomes demonstrated moderate to full neutralising capacity of Bothrops atrox venom within 48 hours when it was injected into mice. The neutralisation was attributed to antiphospholipase A2 activity[
849
Title
Medicinal and Ethnoveterinary Remedies of Hunters in Trinidad
Publication
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2001; 1: 10.
Author
Lans C.; Harper T.; Georges K.; Bridgewater E.
Website
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/1/10
Publisher
International Society for Complementary Medicine Research
Year
2001
ISBN
 
Description
The paper is available online.
].

Other Uses

The ripe fruits produce a purple dye that is used for dying fibres of plants species such as Astrocaryum that are used in weaving[
350
Title
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
General information on almost 400 species, with descriptions, habitats and some uses.
].
The dye from the fruits is used as ink for writing and for skin tattoos[
350
Title
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
General information on almost 400 species, with descriptions, habitats and some uses.
,
850
Title
Renealmia (Zingiberaceae-Zingiberoideae), Costoideae (Additions) (Zingiberaceae).
Publication
Flora Neotropica 18: 1 - 218
Author
Maas P.J.M.
Publisher
New York Botanical Garden; New York.
Year
1977
ISBN
 
Description
A monograph of the genus Renealmia in the American Tropics.
].
A yellow-orange dye is obtained from the root[
350
Title
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
General information on almost 400 species, with descriptions, habitats and some uses.
].

A decoction of the leaves is used to wash the hair in order to remove dandruff[
348
Title
Medicinal Plants of the Guianas
Publication
 
Author
DeFilipps, R. A.; Maina, S. L.; & Crepin, J.
Website
http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html
Publisher
Smithsonian Museum
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A down-loadable PDF document of a book in pre-publication awaiting illustration. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region
].

Propagation

Seed -
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-11-10. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Renealmia+alpinia>

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