Curcuma

Curcuma is a genus of mostly tropical herbaceous perennials that have large Canna-like foliage and pine cone-shaped flowers. Depending on the species the flowers may emerge before the foliage, and in other species, the foliage may emerge first. The plant size can range from 2 to over 7 feet tall. 

There are 100 different species of Curcuma. Some of the plants may be used as food and dyes, while others are only ornamental. They are all members of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. The species include Curcuma amada (Mango Ginger), Curcuma angustifolia (Wild Arrowroot), Curcuma aromatica (Wild Turmeric), Curcuma longa (Common Turmeric), and Curcuma zedoaria (Zedoary).

The different species are native to parts of Southern China, Southeast Asia, India, Northern Australia, or New Guinea. Some of the species have been naturalized in Florida, Central America, tropical Africa, and the tropical islands of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

The genus name, Curcuma, is Latin, from the Arabic word "kurkum or saffron." It acquired the name because the color of the plant's rhizome spice resembles saffron.

Some species of this genus prefer full sun and afternoon shade, while others prefer shade. They require moist, well-drained soil, and wind protection. The USDA Hardiness Zone ranges from 8-11. In areas where the plant is not winter hardy, they may be grown as annuals. The plants can suffer injury in temperatures below 50 degrees F.  It is recommended that the rhizomes be removed from the soil in the fall and stored in a cool dry location. When planting the rhizomes, they needed to be planted at a depth of 4 inches. Each of the species is reproduced by rhizomes.

The leaves are broad and measuring 18 to 40 inches long and 5 to 6 inches wide. The foliage may be green, variegated with creamy edges, or have a reddish-purple stripe down the center of the leaf. The flowers are spike-like and are available in a variety of colors including pink, orange, yellow, and white, depending on the species. The flowers may bloom from late spring to early summer. Each species has food storage in its rhizomes. Curcuma plants rarely have seeds that are viable and are reproduced from their rhizomes.

This genus of plants is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. They may be planted in shade gardens, wet gardens, tropical gardens, containers, or as houseplants.