ຂີງດຳ / Black Ginger

Distribution and Ecology
Black ginger grows during the rainy season, with a flowering period between June and October. It grows well in many types of soil, but does not thrive in wet areas. Its natural habitat is dry evergreen forest or mixed deciduous forest, at the foot of limestone hill, at elevations about 500 m from sea level. In Laos, it is found in Xayabouri, Luangprabang, Xaingkhoung, and other provinces. In the wild, the species is in decline due to loss of habitat, agricultural land use, and over harvesting. However, in recent years more farmers in Laos have been planting it for medicinal use.