Curcuma

Curcuma is a genus of flowering plants in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, best known for species such as turmeric (*Curcuma longa*) and Siam tulip.

Curcuma is a genus of flowering plants in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), best known for species such as turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Siam tulip. The genus includes perennial, rhizomatous herbs native to tropical and subtropical Asia, with some species naturalized in other warm regions. In Canada, Curcuma is relevant mainly through turmeric, a widely used spice and culinary ingredient, and through the horticultural trade in tropical ornamental plants.

Taxonomy

Curcuma is a genus of flowering plants within the family Zingiberaceae. It includes many species, with sources noting that the exact number of accepted species can vary across references.

Distribution

Species of Curcuma are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, the Indian subcontinent, New Guinea, and northern Australia. Several species have also been introduced or naturalized in other tropical and subtropical regions, including tropical Africa, Central America, Florida, and parts of the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands.

Description

Curcuma species are perennial, herbaceous plants that grow from rhizomes. The rhizomes are often fleshy and brightly coloured inside, and in some species they are harvested for culinary or medicinal use.

Uses

The best-known use of Curcuma is turmeric, produced from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Curcuma species are also grown as ornamentals, and their rhizomes may be used as spices, dyes, or in traditional medicine.