Mountain turmeric
Curcuma montana
Family: Zingiberaceae
What it is like
A ginger family herb. The rhizome is short and light yellow. The false stems are 30 cm tall. The leaves are 30 cm long by 8 cm wide. The flower spike is 12 cm long by 4 cm wide. The flowers are pinkish yellow.
There are about 50 Curcuma species. They are mostly in SE Asia.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in grasslands.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Himalayas, India, Malaysia, Northeastern India, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The rhizome is sliced and used as a spice in curry. They are also roasted and eaten as a snack.
Edible parts
Rhizome, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kattumanjal, Sandi palo