Galangal's native habitat is China (Hainan Island). The name Galangal is derived from the Arabic Khalanjan, perhaps a distortion of a Chinese word meaning 'mild ginger.

What is galangal called in English?

The word galangal, or its variant galanga, can refer in common usage to the aromatic rhizome of any of four plant species in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, namely: Alpinia galanga, also called greater galangal, lengkuas or laos. Alpinia officinarum, or lesser galangal.

How is galangal different from ginger?

Galangal is closely related to ginger and turmeric, and all three roots can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to your dishes. Ginger offers a fresh, sweet-yet-spicy taste, while galangal's flavor is sharper, spicier, and slightly more peppery.