12. Kaempferia rotunda L.
Distinguished characters.- Rhizome short and branched. Root tubers elongate. The
inflorescence appears before the leaves. Flower pink to pinkish-purple.
Thailand.- NORTHERN: Chiang Mai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Tak;NORTHEASTERN: Loei,
khon Kaen; CENTRAL: Saraburi; SOUTHEASTERN: Chonburi; SOUTHWESTERN:
Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi.
Distribution.- Tropical Asia and cultivated in all tropical countries.
Uses.- The tuber is used to treat abdominal illness, gastric complaints. The rhizome is used to
treat stomachache, and is also used for cosmetics. The leaves are used as body lotion.
Several species of Kaempferia are useful for ornamental plants. A few species are pretty pot
herbs. For examples: