Getto galingale gives off a fragrant scent as summer begins

Getto galingale gives off a fragrant scent as summer begins

 

[caption id="attachment_22230" align="alignnone" width="206"] (Getto plants in full bloom as summer begins. (Photograph taken by Ayako Nakamoto) (Ryukyu Shimpo))[/caption]

 

Early summer has come, and Getto galingale is in full bloom.

 

The flowers are lending a nostalgic aura to cultural heritage sites such as Benzaitendo by the Enkan pond at Shurijo Castle Park in Naha, the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

 

Getto is also known as Sannin in the Kingdom of Ryukyu language and is a member of the Zingiberaceae family of plants.

 

Rice cake steamed in its leaf is a traditional sweet called muchi, which is often eaten when people pray for health and good luck.

 

With its antiseptic properties, the plant is becoming popular as a herb, as well as for its aromatic oil.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sayaka Sakuma)

 

(Ryukyu Shimpo, 28 Tuesday April 2015 The Roman)

 

Getto :  月桃

 

[caption id="attachment_22235" align="alignnone" width="214"] (Muchi (Ryukyu Shimpo))[/caption]