Zingiber odoriferum
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Zingiber odoriferum faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its native lowland forest habitat in Peninsular Malaysia. The species is further threatened by overcollection for its aromatic rhizomes, which are valued in traditional medicine and as spice ingredients. Urban development and palm oil plantation expansion have fragmented remaining populations into isolated patches, reducing genetic diversity and reproductive success.
Habitat
This critically endangered ginger species inhabits lowland tropical rainforests and forest margins in Peninsular Malaysia, typically growing in shaded understory conditions with rich, well-drained soils. It occurs at elevations below 300 meters in both primary and secondary forest environments.
