Greater Galangal is the dried rhizome of a plant Alpenia galanga. This is a tropical herbaceous plant of the ginger family reaching to about 2m (6 1/2ft). The pseudo stem formed by the rolled leaf sheaths is erect, the inflorescence is terminal, many flowered. The fruits are about 13 mm long, constricted in the middle and contain 3 to 6 seeds.

The blade-like leaves are long and wide, 50 x 9cm (18 x 31/2in); the flowers are greenish white with a dark-red veined tip. The rhizomes are orange to brown and ringed at intervals by the yellowish remnants of atrophied leaf bases

A useful ingredient in various Southeast Asian dishes, in premium Hand Brand from Nguan Soon (the very best Thai spices). Experiment with it and enjoy the authentic taste of Asia. Galangal is an erect annual plant with aromatic, ginger-like rhizomes.