I have a clump of Zingiber rerumbet, the picture was taken earlier during the year. Here are my questions.

1. Is the root edible? Is there a certain time the root should be harvested?
2. Right now (late Dec.) it has turned yellow and is dying, is it time to cut back? Looking for the optimum time to cut back.
3. Is the fluid in the "pine cone" really useful-and how to you harvest?

thanks!!!!

Anole

This particular root is edible. However you may find it too bitter.
The 'juice' that comes out of the cone has for centuries been used as shampoo in Polynesia.

Mine turned yellow last month and I cut it back then so yes, it's probably time.

John, I think this "Pine-cone Ginger" is Zingiber zerumbet, rather than rerumbet. I have cut mine back since the tops were all dying and the plants going dormant.

Though it is also called the "Shampoo Ginger" and the roots are said to be edible, I have never tasted the root. I also have never used that "sap" as a shampoo, but did try some as a hair conditioner after shampooing. That clear liquid does seem to work as a conditioner.

Dutchlady, Dr.Dawg, thanks for the input. I have missed the opportunity to harvest the fluids from the "pine cones". They have dried.

Anole

There's always next year!