Plagiostachys crocydocalyx (PROSEA)

Plant Resources of South-East Asia Introduction

List of species

Plagiostachys crocydocalyx (K. Schumann) Burtt & Smith

Family: Zingiberaceae

Synonyms

• Alpinia crocydocalyx K. Schumann,
• Languas crocydocalyx (K. Schumann) Merrill.

Vernacular names

• Indonesia: gopak (Kalimantan)
• Malaysia: gopak, banjang (Sabah, Sarawak).

Distribution

Borneo.

Uses

The heart of the young shoot is eaten cooked, and has a slightly acid taste. Fibres of the leaf-sheaths are used in matting.

Observations

• Perennial herb, ca. 2 m tall.
• Leaf-blade narrowly elliptical, 120-150 cm × 20-22 cm.
• Inflorescence (appearing near ground level) a dense raceme with yellow flowers; because of early decay of bracteoles and calyx, the inflorescence is covered with copious mucilage, attracting abundant insects.

Selected sources

22, 44, 79.