Siam tulip
Curcuma alismatifolia

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A ginger family herb. It grows 40-60 cm high. The underground stem or rhizome is yellow or white. There are root tubers present. There are about 4 leaves. They are narrowly oval. They are 25-35 cm long by 5-8 cm wide. The flowers are in the tufts of the leaves. They are cylinder shaped and 5-10 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It often grows on limestone soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, Hawaii, Indochina, Laos, Pacific, SE Asia, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

The flowers are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

The flowers are commonly eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. It germinates best at about 20°C. Plants can be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Chahouy

Synonyms

Hitcheniopsis alismatifolia (Gangep.) Loes.;