WILD GINGERS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

Abstract

The tropical rain forests of Andaman and Nicobar Islands ~arboring 4
species of medicinal and aromatic wild gingers namely Zingiber odoriferum B1.,
Z. Spectabile Grioff, Z. squarrosum Roxb. and Z. zerumbet Rose. ex Sm., which
are generally found growing in shady humid places. Most of these wild
gingers are possessing an eye- catching, colourful bracts in ovoid, conical or
cylindrical spikes and are exhilarating the horticulturists to grow them as
ornamental and decorative herbs in the gardens. These herbs are also being
used for therapeutical purposes like that of the common, well-known ginger
Zingiber officinale Rose., a medicinal arid a flavouring agent.