Ruby ginger
Curcuma rubescens

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A large ginger family herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60-90 cm tall. The stems are red or purple. The flowers are white with purple tips.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs moist soil. It can stand light shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, North America, SE Asia, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

The rhizomes yield a form of arrowroot starch.

It is sold in markets.

Edible parts

Rhizome, root, starch

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by rhizomes or offsets.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Curcuma erubescens Wall. [Invalid]; Curcuma longiflora Salisb.; Curcuma rubricaulis Link;