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a substitute for ginger, but is very inferior to it, (Mat. Ind. ii, 107.) In the Calcutta Exhibition Catalogue, the root is described as depurative and aphrodisiac ; similar properties are attributed to it in the Concan, where it is very abundant in most situations. The rhizome resembles the great Galangal in growth and structure, but has no aromatic properties, the taste being mucilaginous and feebly astringent ; it could only be used as a substitute for ginger by being preserved with a quantity of that root sufficient to flavour it. (Pharmacogr. Ind. III, 427). The root is prescribed by the Santals for pain in the marrow. (Revd. A. Campbell.)

Syn. : — Alpinia cardamomum, Roxb. 24.

Sans. : — Upakunchika ; Ela.

Vern. :— Chhotî-eláchî (H.) ; Chhoto Elâch (B.) ; Veldoda (Mar.) ; Ellakay, aila-cheddi, Ellay (Tam. & Tel.) ; Yálakki (Kan.) ; Ellettari, ailum cheddy (Mal.).

Habitat : — Malabar ; on the Western Ghats, from Kurg southwards.

Perennial herb, with a horizontal thick root-stock. Stem leafy, 6-9ft. Leaves 1-2ft. by 3in., pubescent beneath. Panicles several to one leafy stem, 1-2ft. ; bracts linear-oblong, persistent, 1½-2in. Calyx ½in. Corolla-tube shortly exserted ; segments ½in. long. Lip longer than the corolla-segments, white sheathed with violet, Capsule sub-globose or oblong, marked with many fine vertical ribs. Seeds small, black, highly aromatic.

Uses: — The seeds are aromatic, and used as an ingredient in compound preparations.

The seed yields 2.14 per cent, of oil soluble in 4 parts of 70 per cent, alcohol, has a sp. gr.=0.943 at 15°, a rotatory power at 19° =+34°52' (100 mm. tube) and a saponification number=132. The oil contains cineol, a solid terpineol of rotatory power = +83°31' at 21°, and considerable quantities of alkylic acetates —J. Ch. S. 1899 A. I. 63.