Curcuma (Tumeric)

Curcuma amada (Mango Ginger)

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Curcuma amada Mango Ginger.

(In the West Bengal region the local name is am-haldi)

Description: A ginger with stout underground rhizomes. Foliage dies down in late in autumn and the rhizomes remain dormant in winter. The inflorescence appears in spring from the base of the rhizome. The peduncle grows to about 8 to 10 inches tall. Leaves appear after the flowers. When in full growth the plants can reach a height of about 3ft tall. Leaves are broad and very decorative. Good for cut-flower use with a vase life of about 10 days for a fresh stem.

Habitat: This species is grown in villages. Rhizomes have an aroma of green mango. The fresh and dried rhizomes are used for flavouring curries.

Ethnobotany: Rhizomes used to some extent in villages for flavouring curries.

Curcuma angustifolia

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Curcuma angustifolia

Description: Deciduous.Rhizomes remain dormant underground in winter. In early spring the inflorescense is produced before the leaves. Very colourful bracts make this a showy species. The shape and colour of the bracts are very variable. The inflorescence lasts in full bloom on the plants for about three weeks and more. Good for cut flower use with a vase life of 10 days and more for fresh cut blooms. Leaves grow to about 2ft tall and die down in autumn..

Habitat: This species is flound in the Eastern Himalays and inhabits bright open hillsides and woods.

Curcuma aromatica

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Curcuma aromatica

Description: A robust ginger with stout underground rhizomes. Foliage dies down in late in autumn and the rhizomes remain dormant in winter. The inflorescence appears in early spring from the base of the rhizome. The peduncle grows to about 8 to 10 inches tall. Leaves appear after the flowers. When in full growth the plants can reach a height of about 3ft tall. Leaves are broad and very decorative. Good for cut-flower use with a vase life of about 10 days for a fresh stem.

Habitat: This species is found in the eastern Himalayas and inhabits warm forest areas. Grows fast and vigorously during the summer monsoon months.

Ethnobotany: Rhizomes used to a limited extent in villages for flavouring curries.

Curcuma longa (Tumeric)

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Curcuma longa   (Tumeric)

Local name in Nepali: hardi ( har-dee) Hindi: haldi (hal-dee)  

Description: Deciduous. Underground rhizomes dormant through winter. New growths appear in spring and grow fast in the warm months. In summer, an inflorescence is produced from in-between the leaf petioles. The bracts are not as colourful as other species in the genus.   The uppermost bracts are white with just a hint of light mauve colour on the tips. The bloom can be used as a cut flower.

Ethnobotany: This is the ginger from which turmeric is produced. The rhizomes when cut exhibit a deep yellow colour and the juice from fresh cut rhizomes can stain the hand and clothes. Curcuma longa is grown in large quantities throughout India and other Asian countries. The rhizomes are sliced and sun dried and powdered to make turmeric powder of commerce. It is an important ingredient in everyday cooking in Indian homes. Also used as a dye. Important ingredient in the ancient Indian medicine system Ayurveda.

Curcuma longiflora

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Curcumorpha longiflora

(Syn. Boesenbergia longiflora, Gastrochilus longiflorus)

Description: A deciduous plant with its small tufted rhizomes remaining dormant underground during the winter. In early spring as the weather warms up new growths appear and develop fast producing 2 to 4 leaves. The petioles are quite short and clasp each other appear as a stem. Otherwise, it is actually stemless. Leaves are broad and though entirely deep green in color, appear decorative as a pot plant. The inflorescence arises from the base of the plant on a short peduncle. Individual flowers are showy with a broad lip that has a distinctive red band. The flowers are of a cream/white color with delicate pink flushing.

Habitat: This species is found in the eastern Himalayas and inhabits intermediate to warm forest areas near mountain streams and damp forest floors. Grows fast and vigorously during the summer monsoon months.

Ehtnobotany: Not known

Curcuma zeodaria (Zendary)

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Curcuma zeodaria

known in the western world as Zeodary

Description: Rhizomes remain underground and dormant in winter. Flowers appear in early spring as the weather warms up. Individual inflorescence grows to about 8 to 10 inches tall. Sheaths covering the flower stem are brownish green in color. Floral bracts are light green and the apical flower bracts are deep pink flushed with green. Color of bracts are variable within the red/pink shades. The whole inflorescence remains in good condition on the plant for about a month and more. Makes a good cut flower with a vase life of about 10 to 15 days. Leaves are decorative with a deep purple/brown line along the center. Grows to about 3 ft tall in full growth. Leaves dry off in November.

Habitat: Eastern Himalayas. Found growing in open hillsides with shade from surrounding grasses and low growing scrub.

Ethnobotany: The rhizomes of this species produces Zeodary of commerce.