136 FLAVORING AND BEVERAGE PLANTS 
Fic. 131.—Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Ginger Family, Zingerberacee). 
Plant showing roots, rootstock, leafy and flowering stems. Flower. 
Floral diagram. (Baillon.)—A biennial or perennial herb, about 
60 em. tall, with smooth leaves; flowers dingy yellow, aromatically 
fragrant; fruit a dry pod. Native home, India. 
of black pepper is due to the volatile oils they contain, the 
hot biting taste of these spices depends to a considerable 
extent upon certain resinous substances which are present 
in small amount. A somewhat similar substance, of even 
greater power, causes the fiery taste of red pepper. 
