The Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) Plant of the Month (POM) for September 2022 is the Maranti’s Swan Flower, scientifically known as Globba marantina L. is from the family Zingeberaceae and is native to East Asia such as China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to New Guinea and northern Australia. “Globba” is a Latin version of “galoba” or ginger in the Amboinese language. It is named after Italian botanist Bartolomeo Maranti (1500-1571).
Maranti’s Swan Flower is an erect rhizomatous perennial plant with stems reaching to 50cm tall. Its flowers are borne in spikes at branch ends often with bulbils towards the base. They are single-formed in each bract and resemble swans. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as food and medicine.
Bulbils are used as a food flavoring. It has a spicy flavor that can be eaten fresh or dried. They are also used in the same way as cardamom because of their pleasant taste. Small bulbils are used to stimulate the appetite.
Did you know?
This plant rarely flowers? So, seeds are not often produced!
And propagation is made using its bulbils. It can withstand long periods of adverse conditions and can be stored for several months before planting.
You may watch the plant’s actual video below:
By AALimpiada and ACMalayba