noun
peppermint stick; Alpinia japonica
A perennial evergreen plant native to Japan, known for its aromatic leaves and use in traditional medicine and cuisine.
ハナミョウガは山地の湿った場所に自生する。
Alpinia japonica grows wild in moist mountainous areas.
ハナミョウガの葉には独特の香りがある。
The leaves of the peppermint stick have a distinctive fragrance.
茗荷 (myoga) is a related plant (Zingiber mioga) grown for its edible flower buds, while ハナミョウガ is a different species valued for its aromatic leaves and ornamental flowers.
The name combines 花 (flower) and 茗荷 (myoga, a related ginger plant), referring to its showy flowers. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.