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Botanical name: Abelmoschus manihot

Common names: South Sea Salad Tree, Bele tree, Sunset Muskmallow, Sunset Hibiscus, Hibiscus Manihot

Family: Malvaceae

Origin: Southeast Asia

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Hardiness: 20°F

Its palmate leaves are highly dissected with five to nine deep lobes. The largest, widest leaves form at the base of the plant, where there may be some small side branches. The blooms (4-5" in diameter) are pale yellow with a dark maroon to purple center eye, and emerge from the terminal end of a central flowering stalk.It is easily propagated from cuttings, easy to cultivate, relatively disease-resistant and even is considered to be of medicinal value. It is widely planted either along borders of gardens or as an intercrop throughout many traditional gardens in the tropics. A nice flowering addition to the vegetable garden.

Botanical name: Acacia cultriformis

Common names: Knife-leaf Wattle, Dogtooth Wattle, Half-moon Wattle, Golden-glow Wattle

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Australia

Hardiness: 25°F

Acacia cultriformis is a woody shrub with an upright or spreading habit that grows to 4 m (13 ft) in height.

Its bright flowers and attractive leaves make Acacia cultriformis one of the most popular wattles in cultivation. Drought tolerant, it can be used to combat soil erosion.

The flowers are edible and they are an ingredient used in some fritters. Yellow dye is extracted from the flowers and green dye is extracted from the seed pods

Botanical name: Aframomum sp.

Common names: Aframomum, Melegueta pepper, Guinea grain, Guinea pepper, Alligator Pepper, Grains of Paradise

Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin: Tropical Africa

The genus Aframomum is well known in African forests because the bright red, fleshy fruit of several species contain a sweet juicy pulp and is eaten widely by primates and other mammals.

Aframomum melegueta is a herbaceous perennial plant native to swampy habitats along the West African coast. Its trumpet-shaped, purple flowers develop into 5- to 7-cm long pods containing numerous small, reddish-brown seeds.

Seeds of this rare Ginger are similar in flavor to cardamom and used as a pungent spice. This Ginger has many bioactives, great for digestive and intestinal health. The plant has many other medicinal values: anti-diabetic and anti-obese mechanisms, aphrodisiac and testosterone boosting properties. Aframomum melegueta may be promising for a spice to add to a diet in hopes of body recomposition. Studies show this spice increases sexual behavior.

Botanical names: Alpinia galanga, Languas galanga

Common names: Galanga Root, Galangal, Thai Ginger, Laos

Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin: SE Asia

Galanga is an herb used in cooking, especially in Indonesian and Thai cuisines. It is one of four plants known as galangal, and is differentiated from the others with the common name greater galangal (or simply Thai galangal). The galangals are also called blue ginger or Thai ginger.

A. galanga is called laos in Indonesian and is the most common form of galangal used in cooking. It is also known as lengkuas and galanga root.

Botanical names: Alpinia nutans, Alpinia speciosa

Common names: Shell ginger, Pink porcelain lily, Narrow-Leaf Cinnamon Ginger, Shellflower, Dwarf cardamom, False cardamom

Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin: China and Japan

Hardiness: 20°F

The plant is quite versatile and makes for an excellent garden plant in USDA growing zones 7-9. It can either be grown as a large shrub of 5-10 feet in height or as a small shrub of 2-5 feet. Alpinia nutans requires full sun or partial shade, but prefers humid conditions and regular watering. Its stunning hot pink flowers, borne atop long flowering stems, bloom beginning in June and continue until the Fall.

It is a fairly salt tolerant plant, making it suitable for seaside areas. In cold climates, the mature plant is hardy at least to the low 30s Fahrenheit for a short time, although for best results it should be grown in a pot and stored in an area that does not freeze in the winter, such as a greenhouse or garage. Watering should be reduced in cold conditions and kept to a minimum until warm weather resumes. During the spring, the rhizome should be restrained or it will overthrow its container. Plants should be repotted in the spring if they outgrow their original container. Fertilize annually with compost or an appropriate plant food to encourage growth, and do regular pest and disease checks.

Alpinia nutans is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia zerumbet. Alpinia nutans var. longiramosa is a synonym of Alpinia zerumbet.

Botanical name: Alpinia officinarum

Common name: Lesser Galangal

Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin: China

Galanga Root, Lesser Galangal, Thai gingeris more than just a fast growing ornamental ginger and flavorful root - it's also a powerful healing plant with centuries of use in both kitchens and traditional medicine. It supports digestion, reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and helps fight infections with its natural antimicrobial properties. Rich in antioxidants, galangal may also support brain health and relieve respiratory issues. A must-have plant for both cooking and wellness.

It has long narrow leaves and reddish-white flowers. Galanga is an herb used in cooking, especially in Indonesian and Thai cuisines. The rhizomes, known as galangal, are valued for their spicy flavor and aromatic scent. These are used throughout Asia in curries and perfumes, and were previously used widely in Europe.

Alpinia officinarum (Lesser Galangal) is typically measuring 5-10 feet in height. It prefers semi-shade and regular watering, but will tolerate moderate water during dry spells. The flowers are a cluster of pink, white, or off-white blossoms, giving a beautiful display.

It is not just an ornamental plant. In China, it is also valued for its ethnomedical properties, used as a spice or a herb. Grown across USDA zone 9-11, it can easily be grown in pots in cold regions.

For proper care and growth, this plant requires a slightly acidic and well-drained soil. Provide light shade if grown outdoors, and ensure the pot is well-drained for optimal water retention. Water the plant regularly, but avoid excessive wetting of the soil. It will thrive under the right conditions and can last for years.

Fertilize Alpinia officinarum with a balanced formula throughout the growing season.

Alpinia officinarum is a beautiful, versatile plant. With proper care and maintenance, it will thrive and bring a splash of color and fragrance to any garden.

The rhizomes, known as galangal, are valued for their spicy flavor and aromatic scent. These are used throughout the world in curries and perfumes.

Botanical names: Alpinia zerumbet, Alpinia nutans var. longiramosa

Common name: Shell Ginger

Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin: East Asia

Hardiness: 20°F

Alpinia zerumbet is called a "shell ginger" or "shell flower" most commonly, because its individual pink flowers, especially when in bud, resemble sea shells.

Alpinia zerumbet is similar to Alpinia malaccensis and Alpinia nutans