Curcuma sp.
Family: Zingiberaceae
Siam Tulip
Origin: Thailand
Curcuma is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and a relative newcomer to the world of cut flowers and ornamentals. Grown from a rhizome, the plant features thick, dense roots and requires high temperatures and a day length of at least 12 hours. This plant produces an excellent cut flower last up to about 14 days. If placed in a slightly shaded position, flower on the plant can remain for up to 3 months. Note this species is deciduous in winter. Light: Indirect to full sunlight.Watering: Water often and lightly so the plant remains moist, but does not drown. The size of the rhizome and the number of buds determines the speed of development of the plant: The larger the rhizome and the more buds it contains the earlier the flowering and the greater the yield. Other member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, Curcuma longa (turmeric)has oblong, pointed leaves and bears funnel-shaped yellow flowers. The rhizome is the portion of the plant used medicinally; it is usually boiled, cleaned, and dried, yielding a yellow powder.Dried Curcuma longa is the source of the spice turmeric, the ingredient that gives curry powder its characteristic yellow color. Turmeric is used extensively in foods for both its flavor and color. Turmeric has a long tradition of use in the Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine.
