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Curcuma

From Quire, the open reference·Genus of flowering plants in the ginger family·5 min read
Curcuma
Curcuma
Image: source and license
Curcuma zedoaria: illustration from Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1896
KingdomPlantae
CladeTracheophytes
Clade​Angiosperms
Clade​​Monocots
Clade​​​Commelinids
OrderZingiberales
FamilyZingiberaceae
SubfamilyZingiberoideae
TribeZingibereae
GenusCurcuma
L. nom. cons.
Synonyms[1]
11 synonyms
Dischema Voigt
Erndlia Giseke
Hitchenia Wall.
Hitcheniopsis (Baker) Ridl.
Kua Rheede ex Medic.
Laosanthus K.Larsen & Jenjitt.
Paracautleya R.M.Sm.
Smithatris W.J.Kress & K.Larsen
Stahlianthus Kuntze
Stissera Giseke nom. illeg.
Zedoaria Raf. nom. nud.

Curcuma (/ˈkɜːrkjʊmə/)[2] is a genus of plants in the ginger family Zingiberaceae that contains such species as turmeric and Siam tulip. They are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia.[3] Some species are reportedly naturalized in other warm parts of the world such as tropical Africa, Central America, Florida, and various islands of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Generally, most curcuma grows well in loose and sandy soil in shaded areas.[1][4]

Botanical description#edit

Curcuma is a perennial, herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 1 meter (3 ft 3 in). It emits numerous, edible rhizomes whose interiors are yellow or orange. These rhizomes are reduced to a powder, which is the spice called curcuma. Its lanceolate leaves are oblong or elliptical and are of a uniform green, and about 50 cm (20 in) long and 7 to 25 cm (2.8 to 9.8 in) wide.[5]

Uses#edit

The name is derived from the Sanskrit kuṅkuma, referring to turmeric. Turmeric is used to flavour or colour curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses; it may also be used as a substitute for saffron or other yellowish pigments.[6]

Species#edit

Curcuma euchroma
Curcuma euchroma Image: source and license
Curcuma inodora
Curcuma inodora Image: source and license
A. Bernecker: Curcuma longa
A. Bernecker: Curcuma longa Image: source and license
Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa Image: source and license
Curcuma rhizome, sections and powder
Curcuma rhizome, sections and powder Image: source and license

As of June 2026, Plants of the World Online accepts the following 180 species:[1]

References#edit

  1. ^ a b c "Curcuma L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Retrieved 2026-06-10.
  2. ^ "curcuma". Dictionary.com Unabridged (Online). n.d.
  3. ^ "Curcuma [family ZINGIBERACEAE]". Global Plants.
  4. ^ Sirirugsa, P.; Larsen, K.; Maknoi, C. (2007). "The Genus Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae): Distribution and Classification with Reference to Species Diversity in Thailand" (PDF). Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 59 (1&2): 203–220. S2CID 173169715. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2021-10-20.
  5. ^ Collectif (2016). Histoire Naturelle (in French). Paris: Flammarion. p. 149. ISBN 9782081378599.
  6. ^ Somadeva (2014) [1070 & 1924]. "Ch. 104 - The use of turmeric (kuṅkuma) in ancient India". In Penzer, N. M. (ed.). Kathasaritsagara [The Ocean of Story]. Vol. XIII. Translated by Tawney, C. H. B.R. Publishing Corporation. p. 13. ISBN 978-935050135-1.
Categories CurcumaZingiberaceae generaBotanical taxa named by Carl Linnaeus

This article is mirrored from “Curcuma” on English Wikipedia, revision 1358603005, written by Wikipedia's contributors and licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Editing it here creates a Quire copy with its own history.

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