PLAI

EDIBLE RHIZOME: The ”rhizome is used as a condiment” [5/6] “and has been widely cultivated across tropical Asia for food flavoring, often as a substitute for” Ginger. [9/12] Another source states that only the variant Roxburgh is added to Thai dishes, while some sources say that all types are edible.  MALAYSIA: It is “often seen near villages, the rhizomes of which are used in medicine and as spice.” [18] CAUTION: Being somewhat similar to true Ginger, it is sometimes used as a substitute or “adulterant/contaminant to the [Ginger] food/medicinal trade.” [19] TASTE: “Hot and camphorous” as well as “bitter and unpleasant.” [12] 

EDIBLE INFLORESCENCE: perennialsolutions [dot] org lists the flowerspikes as having “edible uses.” CAUTION: Being the only web-source for this information concerning the edibility of the inflorescence, it should be confirmed before ingestion. Please contact me if you find confirmation of the flower's edibility, thanks. 

MEDICINAL RHIZOME: The rhizome essential oil is added to medicinal massage oils in Thailand and used to relieve pain and inflammation. Used in traditional Asian medicine.  “The rhizome of variant Roxburgh is used medicinally in massage in Thailand.”  Used to treat diarrhea and colic. [5] Cabi.org writes, “Z. montanum is used throughout tropical Asia for medicinal purposes, primarily as a carminative and stimulant for the stomach, and against diarrhoea and colic. In Indonesia, the pounded rhizome is used as a poultice against headache, and in a variety of medicinal mixtures. The rhizome is administered internally as a vermifuge in Malaysia and for postpartum medication, while in Laos, it is applied against abscesses, fever, colic, diarrhoea and other intestinal disorders, a depurative, as well as a poison antidote. In Thailand, the species is the prime ingredient in massage oil to relieve muscle pain, and the rhizomes are taken against asthma (Wolff et al., 1999; Anasamy et al., 2013). In Northeast India, oral consumption of the rhizome paste was reported to treat dyspepsia and stomach bloating (Anasamy et al., 2013). Additionally, Z. montanum has been shown to exhibit pesticidal and fungicidal activity. The rhizomes of Z. montanum contain essential oils including terpinen-4-ol, which has been found to be effective against a range of pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella paratyphi, S. typhi and Shigellaflexneri. Zerumbone, another essential oil of the rhizome, has demonstrated antifungal activity against Thanetophoruscucumeris. Insecticidal activity in bioassays of the rhizome extracts were found against brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalussanguineus), as well as against Spodopteralittoralis larvae due to the presence of phenylbutanoids. Additionally, rhizome extracts have shown in vitro anthelmintic activity against Ascaridiagalli (Wolff et al., 1999; Phonsena et al., 2006).” [9] 

MEDICINAL STUDIES: “A Japanese study from 1991 suggests that (E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-1-ene, an active ingredient of Zingibercassumunar rhizomes, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, an American study found that plai oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, dermatophytes, and yeasts. Finally, a 1992 study discovered that the zerumbone contained in the rhizomes of the plant has antifungal properties against pathogenic fungi.  The plant also contains the essential oils sabinene 31-48%, terpineol 4-30%, and apparently unique Curcuminoid antioxidants, namely Cassumunarin types A, B, and C.”[7] 

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Stimulant [5], tonic [5]. “The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Z. montanum rhizomes has been linked to the presence of curcuminoids.” [9] “The anti-inflammatory as well as the analgesic and antipyretic effects have also been related to the presence of phenylbutenoids.” [9] 

ESSENTIAL OIL: “Dried rhizomes of Z. montanum yield 0.5% essential oil on steam distillation. The main constituent, terpinen-4-ol, is widely used in perfumery in artificial geranium, pepper, rose and other oils, (soap) perfumes and flavour compositions.” [9] 

AROMATHERAPY: “In aromatherapy, plai oil is utilized as an essential oil that is believed to ease pain and inflammation.”  

ANIMALS: REPELLENT: “The plant tends to be avoided by animals. It is therefore sometimes planted around the edges of rice fields to try and protect them from damage.” [5/8]

HABITAT: "Moist, partially shaded evergreen and monsoon forests, secondary forests, open habitats at forest edges, disturbed sites at bamboo thickets on rocky soils." [9]
NATURALIZED: “The plant often escapes from cultivation in the Greater Antilles.” [5] “It is naturalized in Puerto Rico.” [5] “It is listed as moderately invasive in northeastern Bangladesh.” [9/10]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION: It “has an upright growth habit (unlike the arching forms of some species).” [2]
HEIGHT: “It is one of the tallest of the hardy Zingiber species, maxing out at 7-8 feet tall.” [2] 

FLOWER: “Beginning in late June to early July it starts producing several 'Chocolate Pinecone' inflorescences that are held on stems 8-16 inches long.  Cream colored flowers appear daily for weeks.  Once done flowering, the inflorescence begins turning red and will stay attractive for a few more weeks, making the whole blooming season one month long.”  [2] 

FRUIT: Round [ovoid] capsule, 1.5 cm. diameter. [11] 

RHIZOME: The form is similar to ginger rhizomes. The flesh of the rather thick rhizomes are bright yellow, resembling the color of Turmeric. “Internally pale carrot color.” [11] “The odor has been described as strong and reminiscent of a mixture of ginger, camphor, and turmeric.” [12]
DORMANCY: “It is naturally winter dormant in the wild.” [9]
ANIMAL REPELLENT: “The plant tends to be avoided by animals. It is therefore sometimes planted around the edges of rice fields to try and protect them from damage.” [5/8]
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Gingerwood Nusrery writes this about the form that they sell, “This particular form was first introduced as Zingiber purpureum in Hawaii.  It eventually made its way to the mainland but it still not very well known.  It is a reliable grower that is usually one of the first Zingiber to sprout and also one of the first to bloom.” [2]