N. 0. SOITAMINEJi. 
12-17 
pinkish-white, lateral oblong, upper longer ovate concave. 
Starainode obtuse, as long as the corolla segments. Lip dellexed, 
orbircular, yellow, obscurely 3-lobed. Stigma obscurely 2-lobed. 
Uses : — The rhizomes are used medicinally, being regarded 
•as tonic and carminative. Thwaites says this drug is used by 
the Singhalese. Dyruock states that “ the properties of this 
drug are very similar to those of turmeric, but its flavour being 
strongly camplioraceous is not so agreeable. It is used medi- 
cinally in combination with other drugs as an external applica- 
tion to bruises, sprains, &c. In the Concan, it is applied to pro- 
mote the eruption in exanthemateous fevers ; it is seldom used 
alone, but is combined with astringents when applied to 
bruises, and with bitters and aromatics to promote eruptions.” 
Ainslie says the Muhammadans suppose it to be a valuable medi- 
cine in certain cases of snake-bites, administered in small doses, 
and in conjunction with golden-coloured orpiment, hunt (Costus 
arabicus) and ajuan. 
“ Used externally in scabies and the eruption of small-pox.” 
(Surg.-Maj. H. I). Cook.) “ Rubbed into a paste with benzoin 
it is a common domestic application to the forehead for 
headache.” (Surg.-Maj. John North.) 
1233. C. Zedoaria, Rose., h.f.b.i., vi. 210. Roxb. 
7. 
Sans. : — Karchura, Sati. 
Vern. : — Kachura (H.)'; Shori ; Kachura ( B. ) ; Kichchilik- 
kizhanghu, pulan-kizhanga (Tam.); Kich-chili-gaddala, kacho- 
rani (Tel.) ; Kach-cholam, kach-churi-kizhauna, puld-kizhauna 
(Mai.); Kachora (Kan.). 
Habitat: — Eastern Himalaya, wild; cultivated throughout 
India. 
Rootstock large, ovoid, tubers many, some lin. diam., 
sessile, cylindric, and many, oblong, terminating into fibres. 
Leaves l-2ft., oblong acuminate, narrowed to the base. Petiole 
longer than the blade. Spikes vernal, |ft. by 3in. broad. 
Flowering bracts l£in., ovate green, often tinged slightly with 
red ; bracts of the coma many, spreading, bright red. Flowers 
pale-yellow, rather shorter than the bracts. Calyx whitish,' 
