The Latin generic name “Alpinia” was given to commemorate Prospero Alpini (1553-1617), an Italian Botanist who catalogued and described exotic plants. The common name “Galangal” is derived from the Arabic Khalanjan, perhaps a perversion or an adaptation of the Chinese Liangtiang (meaning ‘mild Ginger’). The drug has been known in Europe for seven centuries longer than its botanical origin, for it was only recognized in 1870, when specimens were examined that had been found near Tung-sai, in the Extreme south of China, and later, on the island of Hainan.

It is distributed in various parts of India and throughout Southeast Asia. It is widely cultivated in small garden plots in rather wet ground in Malaysia, India, Indochina, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The galangals are fascinating ginger-like spice is currently cultivated in all South East Asian countries, India, Bangladesh, China and Surinam. The galangals are also called blue ginger or Thai ginger.