Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) Boesenbergia rotunda
Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) (Boesenbergia rotunda) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family, native to Southern China and South-East Asia. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 17–26 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: finger-like rhizomes, young leaves |
| Native to | Southern China and South-East Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; a common Thai kitchen root.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci)
- How far apart should I plant Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci)?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) flower?
- About 17–26 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; a common Thai kitchen root.
- What grows well with Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fingerroot (krachai, temu kunci). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- A small ginger: a few broad leaves from the ground and a bundle of finger-shaped yellow rhizomes, the krachai of Thai fish curries and kaeng pa. Pink-lipped flowers sit low among the leaves. Leaves die back in the dry season; keep it shaded and moist.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Ginger Zingiber officinale
- Turmeric Curcuma longa
- Galangal Alpinia galanga
- Torch ginger Etlingera elatior
- Shell ginger Alpinia zerumbet
- Red ginger Alpinia purpurata
- Beehive ginger Zingiber spectabile
- Siam tulip Curcuma alismatifolia