Ginger is a perennial plant that is cultivated as an annual crop in
South Africa. It is the rhizome of the plant from the family Zingiberaceae.
Other members of this plant family are cardamom and turmeric. After a growing
period of 8 to 9 months, the above-ground growth dies off (June/July). If the
underground creeping stems (rhizomes) are not harvested, they start growing
again as soon as soil temperature increases (October/November).
1. CLASSIFICATION
Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
Common name: Ginger (English); Gemmer (Afrikaans)
2. ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION Ginger
has been grown in tropical Asia since ancient times. The ancient use of
ginger as a flavouring pre-dates historical records. Because ginger is
not found in the wild, its origins are uncertain. It is likely to have
originated from India as ginger plants there show the most biological
variability. Potted
ginger plants were carried on local vessels travelling the maritime
trade routes of the Indian Ocean and South China Sea in the 5th century
AD and probably before. The plants would have rapidly spread too many
other countries along the way. In the 16th century ginger was introduced to East Africa and the Caribbean. It is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics. | |
Production Guidelines for Ginger
Order Form:  ARC-TSC Book Catalogue
Editor: T. Anderson Size: A5; Price: R48 |
