79. Galanga.—Galangal. N.F.
Botanical name:
79. GALANGA.—GALANGAL. N.F. The rhizome of Alpi'nia officina'rum Hance. Habitat: China. Reddish-brown, cylindrical, branched, about 100 mm. (4 in-) long, and about the thickness of the thumb, marked with circular-or diagonally annular, whitish rings, the remains of former leaf-sheaths; internally orange-brown, dotted with numerous brownish-yellow resin-cells; odor and taste ginger-like. Small galangal, or galanga minor, does, not exceed the little finger in size, is darker in color, and has a stronger taste and odor. Like ginger, their activity is due to a volatile oil and a resin, and they have the same medicinal action. (Highly magnified starch grains, see Part iv.)
