The torch ginger flower (Etlingera elatior) is a typical flower found in South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Phillipines). The flowers and buds are not only beautiful but also edible. In South Thai cuisine, they are used for their distinctive sour and aromatic notes in the typical ‘Khaw Yam’ salad. Their ginger-like roots are very strong and make them easy to spread, pop up and blossom everywhere around. For all these reasons, we are grateful to the DaLaa flower and proud to use it as a symbol to name our organization since our start in 2004.
Another specificity of DaLaa plants is the fact that flowers, leaves and even seed buds are grown on different stems, but from the same roots. The plant is usually propagated through the roots and young sprouts, like bananas, only after a few years and in good conditions, the plant will produce seeds.
There are a few different colors and shapes for the flowers, usually pink but also white and red. The plants need a tropical climate with a lot of rain, and grow the healthiest close to the rain forest.
Malaysians refer to it as ‘bunga kantan’. Flowers and buds are a staple in many traditional dishes including ‘laksa’ and ‘nasi kerabu’.
In Indonesia, it is widely known as ‘kecombrang’ or ‘honje’, it’s a popular ingredient in dishes like ‘sambal matah’ and ‘gulai’
Other names include ‘rojak’ flower in Singapore, ‘santan’ or ‘tagbak’ in the Philippines, ‘rose de porcelaine’ in French, ‘awapuhi ko’oko’o’ in Hawai.
