Blackthorne

Scientific name of Blackthorne: Kaempferia rotunda

Name of Blackthorne in different languages:-

English:  Indian crocus, Peacock ginger, Round-rooted galangal

Sanscrit: Bhoomi champa भूमी चम्पा, Bhucampakah

Hindi: Bhoomi champa भूमी चम्पा, Abhuyichampa

Malayalam: Chenganeer kizhangu-ചെങ്ങനീർകിഴങ്ങ് / Malankoova-മലങ്കൂവ

Tamil:  Nerppicin

Plant description-Blackthorn

Peacock ginger or Blackthorn (Kaempferia rotunda)  plant grows wild in shaded areas that are wet or humid, especially in forests in South India. It grows in gardens and is known for its beautiful flowers and foliage.    It is an annual herb, growing up to 2 feet tall, it belongs to the ginger family, The flowers are white and red very attractive, and emerge from the ground so it is called Bhoomi Chamba in Sanskrit, which means flower of the earth. Rhizomes lay underground in the winter season and reappear and blossom for two or three days.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-lanceolate	Margin-Entire	Venation- Reticulate

Useful plant parts: Rhizome

Medicinal uses:  used to treat itch, scabies, blood clots and malignancy, tumors, swellings, and wounds.

Medicinal properties: Antioxidant, acrid, thermogenic, aromatic, stomachic, anti-inflammatory, emetic, anti-tumor, anti-rheumatic

Chemical content: Toxin, benzyl benzoate, The tubers contain crotepoxide and beta-sitosterol. Tuber contains essential oil, and benzoic acid on hydrolysis.

Used as an ingredient in the Ayurvedic medicines like:-

• Chyavanasprasam
• Asokaristam
• Baladthatryaditailam
• Kalyanakaghritham