2026 for January 1970

A new species of ginger, Parakaempferia alba, has been discovered in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

It is a new species of Zingiberaceae (ginger family).
It was discovered in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
The plant was found in the Miglung area of East Siang District at an altitude of 150–400 meters, growing along shaded streambanks in humid, sandy soil.

Zingiberaceae, the ginger family of flowering plants, is the largest family of the order Zingiberales, containing about 56 genera and about 1,300 species.
These aromatic herbs grow in moist areas of the tropics and subtropics, including some regions that are seasonably dry.
Members of the family are perennials that frequently have sympodial (forked) fleshy rhizomes (underground stems).
They may grow to 6 metres (20 feet) in height.
A few species are epiphytic—i.e., supported by other plants and having aerial roots exposed to the humid atmosphere.
Many species are economically valuable for their spices and perfume.
- The dried thick rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa) is commonly ground for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses.
- The seeds of Elettaria cardamomum are the source of cardamom.
- Ginger is obtained from the fresh or dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale, and a number of ornamental gingers are grown for their attractive flowers and foliage.
- Several species of shellflower (Alpinia) are cultivated as ornamentals.

Source: NET

Parakaempferia Alba FAQs

Q1: What is Parakaempferia alba?

Ans: It is a newly discovered plant species belonging to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family.

Q2: Where was Parakaempferia alba discovered?

Ans: It was discovered in the Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

Q3: In which climatic regions are Zingiberaceae plants commonly found?

Ans: They are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, including seasonally dry areas.

Q4: What type of underground stem is common in Zingiberaceae plants?

Ans: They commonly have sympodial, fleshy rhizomes.