Pink tower Curcuma, Jewel of Thailand
Curcuma petiolata

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A ginger family herb with an underground stem and which dies back during the year. It grows 60 cm high. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 20-25 cm wide and 33 cm long. The flowers have a tube shaped lip which is golden. It has bracts with a pink edge. The flower head is cylinder shaped.

There are about 50 Curcuma species. They are mostly in SE Asia.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows well in a seasonally moist and dry climate. It needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It needs bright shade. It suits hardiness zones 8-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Malar, Temu putri

Synonyms

Curcuma cordata Wall.; Curcuma petiolaris auct.;