Sunday, July 21, 2024

Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe

 

Family – Zingiberaceae

Synonym – Curcuma porphyrotaenia Zipp. ex K.Schum.; Curcuma raktakanta Mangaly & M.Sabu; Curcuma speciosa Link.; Zingiber truncatum Stokes 

Habit – Herb

Habitat – In coconut grooves and canal embankments

Distribution – South India (Kerala) (Endemic)

Flowering and Fruiting – April-May

Key Identification Features – The rhizome of this medium-sized plant is conical, greyish to yellow inside, with finger-shaped, branched tubers. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, green, and puberulent below. The inflorescence features deep pink coma bracts and light pink flowers. The labellum is light yellow with a dark yellow band.

Uses – It’s used in food (especially in Indonesian and Indian cuisines), traditional medicine (for inflammation, pain, and skin ailments), and as an essential oil in perfumery.



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