n. o. scttaminkt:. 
1261 
a substitute fnv ginger, .but is very inferior to it. {Mat. hid. 
ii, 167.) In tbe Calcutta Exhibition Catalogue, the root is 
described as depurative and aplirodisiac ; 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. Ill, 427). 
Tire root is prescribed by the Santals for pain in the marrow. 
(Revd. A. Campbell.) 
1248. Elettaria Gardamomum, Maton., ii.f.b.i., 
vi., 251. 
Syn. : — Alpinia cardamomum, Roxh. 24. 
Sans. : — Upakunchika ; Ela. 
Vern. : — Chhotl-elachS (II.) ; Chhoto Elach (B.) ; Veldoda 
(Mar.) ; Ellakay, aila-cheddi, Ellay (Tam. A Tel.) ; YMakki 
(Kan.) ; Ellettari, ailum cheddy (Mai.). 
Habitat : — Malabar ; on the Western Ghats, from Kurg 
southwards. 
Perennial herb, with a horizontal thick root-stock. Stem 
leafy, 6-9ft. Leaves l-2ft. by 3in., pubescent beneath. Pani- 
cles several to one leafy stem, lr2ft. ; bracts linear-oblong, per- 
sistent, l|-2in. Calyx .jin. Corolla-tube shortly exserted ; seg- 
ments ^in. long. Lip longer than the corolla-segments, while 
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, alco- 
hol, has a sp. gr.=0'948 at 15°, a rotatory power at 19° = -|-84 0 52' (100 mm. tube) 
and a saponification number=182. The oil contains cineol, a solid terpineol 
of rotatory power =-f88°81' at 21°, and considerable quantities of alkylic 
acetates.— ,T. Ch. S. 1890 A. 1. 68. 
