Diversity and traditional uses of Zingiberaceae in Nong Khai Province, Thailand

Abstract

The objective of this study was to study diversity, ecology, conservation status and traditional uses. Three tribes, 11 genera, 52 species and one subspecies of Zingiberaceaewere identified during the botanical survey between January and December 2014 in Nong Khai province, Thailand. Curcuma is the most diverse genus with 9 species, followed by with 8species each. While the genus Hedychium and Etlingera are the least diverse genera with 1 specieseach. Scientific name, vernacular name, flowering and fruiting periods, ecological and distribution data, conservation status for each species, ecological and morphology-based key to species are provided. Eighteen species are rare plants. While Kaempferia albomaculata and Zingiber zerumbet subsp. cochinchinense are rare and endemic plants.It was revealed that the traditional uses of Zingiberaceae species in Nong Khai province were most frequently used for medicines, foods (including spices), ornamental plants and in rituals. Rhizomes, roots, pseudostem, inflorescences, leaves and fruits are parts of plant used.