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Curcuma

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Curcuma
Curcuma zedoaria: illustration from Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1896
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Subfamily: Zingiberoideae
Tribe: Zingibereae
Genus: Curcuma
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

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Curcuma rhizome, sections and powder

Curcuma is a perennial, herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 1 meter. 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 50cm long and 7 to 25 cm wide.[5]

Uses

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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

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Curcuma euchroma
Curcuma inodora
A. Bernecker: Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa

As of February 2025, Plants of the World Online accepts the following 167 species:[1]

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  • Curcuma aeruginosa
    Curcuma aeruginosa
  • Curcuma longa
    Curcuma longa
  • Curcuma sp.
    Curcuma sp.
  • Curcuma sp.
    Curcuma sp.

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Curcuma.
Wikispecies has information related to Curcuma.
  1. ^ a b c "Curcuma L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  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 (1924) [1079]. "The use of turmeric (kuṅkuma) in ancient India". Kathasaritsagara [The Ocean of Story]. Vol. XIII, ch. 104. Translated by Tawney, C. H. B.R. Publishing Corporation. p. 13. ISBN 9789350501351.
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