Alpinia hainanensis

Name and publication

Alpinia hainanensis K. Schum., H.G.A. Engler, Pflanzenr. IV. 46 (Heft 20): 335. 1904.

Description

Fruits of cao dou kou show up rarely in imported potpourri. These globular fruits, 1-2 cm in diameter, are typically sold with the pericarp removed exposing clusters of seeds. The seeds are edible and used medicinally or in soups.

Nativity and distribution

Alpinia hainanensis is native to China and Vietnam.

Family

Zingiberaceae