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Taxonomy
Kingdom Plantae
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Liliopsida
Order Zingiberales
Family Zingiberaceae
Genus Zingiber
Species Zingiber officinale

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General Definition
A herbaceous, perennial plant grown as an annual
crop throughout the tropical areas of the world
Considered as a epiphytic sciophyte, a self
sufficient plant that can withstand for hours without
the presence of light. Due to this limitations, ginger
has developed adaptations such as:
Thinner leaves
More chlorophyll pigments
Lens like epidermal cells
Red cell layer (Reflects collected light back into the
mesophyll)

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Origin & History
Ginger originated from the tropical jungles in South
Asia, predominantly in India & China (Currently the
worlds largest ginger producers); According to many
historical records, ginger was used as a tonic to treat
common ailments during that period
Introduced in Europe when ginger was traded in the
1st Century C.E. (Ginger was one of the spices that
have been traded for the longest time in history)

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Gross Morphology
Roots are of two kinds: Fibrous and fleshy
Upper shoot is a pseudostem with narrow leaves
The real stem is underground (Rhizome)
Oil duct cells are present underneath the epidermis of the
leaf, stem or root
Flowers are perfect with cyme inflorescence, subtended
by spiral bracts
Contains gingerols, zingerones and shogaols (All
phenolic compounds); Gingerol gives ginger its spicy,
stinging flavor, while Zingerone and Shogaol are
responsible for its pungent, aromatic odor

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External Anatomy

Pseudostem

Scale
leaves
Internode Bud

Node

Adventitous Root
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Microscopy

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Microscopy

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Physiology of growth
Above ground parts (Pseudostem and leaves) send
the food down to the underground parts (Rhizome)
Food then passes from the mature regions to the
growing parts
Lateral bud soon grows into a daughter rhizome

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Food Uses
Locally, ginger is used in baking and as a kitchen
spice for various savory dishes, for example:

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Food Uses
Ginger has been also used in a wide variety of
beverages, like:

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Medicinal Uses
Ginger, whether used as an oil or powder, has been
used in treating certain diseases like:

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Further health facts
Gingerols in ginger help improve intestinal motility;
They also have anti-inflammatory, analgesic,
anesthetic, sedative, anti-pyretic as well as
antibacterial properties
Ginger contains essential nutrients like Vitamin B5,
Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper, Manganese &
Magnesium

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