188 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES GALANGALE 



of the genus Xanthoxylon are also known by the name of 

 Fustic. 



Galangale, the name of an aromatic rhizome or tuber 

 produced by different species of the Ginger family (Zingi- 

 beraceae). 1. Alpinia Galanga, a herbaceous plant with reed- 

 like leafy stems, 4 to 5 feet high, terminated by a head of 

 flowers; native of India. The rhizome (root -stock) is used 

 medicinally, and forms an article of commerce. 2, Kcempferia 

 Galanga, a stemless herb, annually producing its leaves and 

 flowers direct from the ground ; the flowers appear before the 

 leaves, having much the appearance of the autumn crocus. It 

 is a native of India, where its tuberous roots are much used as 

 an aromatic stimulant. 



Galangale, English {Cy;perus longus), a perennial of the 

 Sedge family (Cyperacese), native of this country, but rare. It 

 has thick roots, which are aromatic and used as a scent. 



Galbanum, a gum -resin issuing from the stems of several 

 perennial plants of the Carrot family (Umbelliferae), referred 

 to Ferula galbaniflua, F. ruhricaulis, and other species, natives 

 of Western Asia. They are strong - rooted plants, the stems 

 of which attain a height of 3 to 6 feet, having finely- 

 divided leaves and umbels of yellow flowers. The gum issues 

 from the stem naturally, or is obtained by cutting it across 

 when young a little above the surface of the ground. The 

 milky juice exudes and soon hardens, and forms one of the 

 kinds of Galbanum of commerce, that issuing from the stem 

 naturally being called Galbanum in tears. The odour of Gal- 

 banum is strongly balsamic and pungent, and is used in medi- 

 cine. The Galbanum spoken of in Exodus has been supposed 

 to be the produce of Galbanum officinale, a Syrian plant, or of 

 Opoidca galbanifera, both of which, however, are doubtfully 

 determined. Another kind of Galbanum is derived from £2chon 

 galhanum, a plant allied to Ferula, native of the Cape of Good 

 Hope. It does not possess the properties of true Galbanum ; 

 the plant, however, is in high repute among the natives for its 

 medicinal virtues. 



