Curcuma

Curcuma is a genus of about 100 accepted species in the family Zingiberaceae that contains such species as turmeric and Siam tulip. They are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia.[3] Some species are reportedly naturalized in other warm parts of the world such as tropical Africa, Central America, Florida, and various islands of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Generally, most curcuma grows well in loose and sandy soil in shaded areas.[2][4]

Curcuma
Curcuma zedoaria 1896 illustration[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Zingiberales
Family:	Zingiberaceae
Subfamily:	Zingiberoideae
Tribe:	Zingibereae
Genus:	Curcuma L.
Synonyms[2]
Kua Rheede ex Medic. Erndlia Giseke Stissera Giseke 1792, illegitimate homonym not Heist. ex Fabr. 1759 Hitcheniopsis (Baker) Ridl. Paracautleya R.M.Sm.

Curcuma euchroma

Curcuma inodora

A. Bernecker: Curcuma longa

The name comes from the Sanskrit kuṅkuma, referring to turmeric. Turmeric has been used in India since ancient times [5]as a substitute for saffron and other yellowish pigments.[6] Turmeric is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses.

Since assembly of the genus Curcuma by Linnaeus in 1753, about 130 species have been described.