White’s Ginger – 2 Seeds

White’s Ginger (Mondia whitei) is a vigorous, perennial, climbing shrub grown in tropical Africa for a wide range of uses including food, medicine, or fiber. It grows about 8 m long and has a large and tuberous rootstock. The leaves are large and opposite, characterized by purple lower-surface veins. The flowers are reddish-purple with a green edge and are short-lived. Edible parts are the leaves (fresh, dried, or cooked) and the fruits. The roots are used as food flavoring.

Common Names: Tonic Root (Eng), Umondi, Mundi (Zu), Mungurawu (Shona), Mulondo

Medicinal Benefits

It is a valued medicinal plant especially for its roots. It is an aphrodisiac and also used against stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, and anorexia, and as appetite stimulant. Urinary infections, jaundice, cough, bronchitis, gonorrhea, and other conditions can also be treated using the roots.

Growing White’s Ginger

Indoor Sowing: Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• Sow the seeds in spring .
• Fill seed-trays with compost and soil mixed in equal amounts.
• Sow the seeds and lightly cover with sand.
• Keep in a warm place that is moist at all times.
• Germination in about 6 weeks.
• When the seedlings are 15 cm tall, re-pot them or transplant directly in the garden.
• The plants will need a trellis or support structure.