BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma flaviflora
COMMON NAME: red fireball ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Fiery Curcuma
FLOWERS: red/orange
HEIGHT: 3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: shade
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, this has not bloomed yet, but has grown to 2 ft tall in filtered shade. I lifted
the rhizome in November and was surprised by the long thick rhizome, unlike any other Curcuma. I have it stored in slightly damp peat over
winter.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma flaviflora S.Q. Tong:
From: Frank Galloway - With other curcumas a thin root is attached from the rhizome to the food storage tuber
but with flaviflora the food storage tubers are attached directly to the rhizome. It is my experience that this is one of the most cold hardy
of the curcumas. Curcuma flaviflora's bloom is central but splits out of the main
stem just before emerging from the soil. This gives the impression that the bloom is on a separate stalk.
Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24
(Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.
STOKES TROPICALS - Rare species called Fiery Curcuma because of red bracts and orange flowers. New from Thailand, grows 3 ft in shade,
zone 8, summer and fall bloomer, bloom at ground level.
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima
COMMON NAME: burnt burgundy ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Precious Curcuma
FLOWERS: burgundy
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma gracillima Gagnepain:
B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
STOKES TROPICALS - An unbelievably beautiful new ginger from Thailand with burgundy colored inflorescence with darker (burnt) streaks
in bracts. Inflorescence is held above long narrow, dark- green leaves. Grows 1 l/2'-2' high in medium sun. Blooms appear in summer.
ALOHA TROPICALS - This striking dwarf species was recently introduced fromThailand. This species has attractive corrugated banana like
leaves. An absolutely gorgeous inflorescence of greenish white with brownish red stripes running the entire length of the cup shaped bracts
with tiny pale purple flowers protruding
PLANTATION GARDENS - 'Precious Curcuma' Has leaves that are about 1.5 inches wide by 12 inches long. This is a petite little top
flowering Curcuma. The flower is born well above the foliage, but is only about 10 to 14 inches above the ground. The flower cone is about 3
inches tall by 1.5 inches wide and has pink bracts that are bordered in white. FLOWER PICTURE.
IMAGES: Click here for first image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE CAN BE SEEN AT: New Orleans Botanical Garden,
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA
Notes and images for Curcuma gracillima 'Burgundy'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima 'Burgundy'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: burgundy/red
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES:
PLANTATION GARDENS - Very similar to 'Chocolate Zebra' in all
aspects except the bracts are burgundy and red in color instead of cream
and red in color. PICTURE OF FLOWER
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
Notes and images for Curcuma gracillima 'Burnt Burgundy'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima 'Burnt Burgundy'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: burgundy/red
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
Notes and images for Curcuma gracillima 'Candy Cane'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima 'Candy Cane'
COMMON NAME: candy cane ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: white with maroon stripes
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - this was purchased from Crowley's Nursery in spring 2000, as part of a large shipment he received from
southeast Asia. It appears to be the same plant shown in the Stokes catalog as C. gracillima 'Candy Cane'. My specimen has wide, solid green
leaves, and has grown 2 ft tall in about 4 hours direct sun. It has repeat bloomed in late spring and again in mid-summer 2000 and yet again
in late summer early fall. A particularly beautiful ginger.
Notes and images for Curcuma gracillima 'Chocolate Zebra'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima 'Chocolate Zebra'
COMMON NAME: chocolate zebra ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: white/purple
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Striking white tufted infls. with maroon stripe in midrib, fls. Purple
PLANTATION GARDENS - 'Chocolate Zebra or Candy Cane' The leaves are about 4 inches wide by 12 inches long. This is a top flowering
plant with the flower being borne well above the foliage. The flower cone is about 2
inches wide by 4 inches long and is 12 to 18 inches above the ground. The
visible side of the cone bracts are variegated cream and red vertically.
PICTURE OF FLOWER To show the effect, I have included a
PICTURE OF A MASS PLANTING
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
Notes and images for Curcuma gracillima 'Lavender Stripe'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima 'Lavender Stripe'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: lavender
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: STOKES TROPICALS - Beautifully patterned inflorescence on 12-16 inch stalk, light lavender color, part shade to almost full sun, blooms
summer to late fall, prob zone 8.
B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma gracillima 'Violet'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: purple
HEIGHT: 18 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, growing in filtered shade, this one is 15 inches tall as of August 2000, has
narrow, solid green leaves.
GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Mottled infl. with dark burgundy stripes, fls. Purple
IMAGES: Click here for first image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE Click here for second image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE Click here for third image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma harmandii
COMMON NAME: emerald pagoda ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: blue/white w emerald green
HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade to full sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, 12 inches tall in August, broad, solid green leaves. Started blooming in late
August, very pretty small flowers emerging from the green bracts. I lifted the rhizome and stored in slightly damp peat over winter.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma harmandii Gagnepain:
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma heyneana
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma heyneana Valeton & v. Zijp.
EARTHCARE ENTERPRISES, Australia - offers this species.
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma inodora
COMMON NAME: pink ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: pink
HEIGHT: 4 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted summer 2000
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma inodora Blatter:
STOKES TROPICALS - Spring bloomer, large pink inflorescence, grows to 4 ft in med sun, prob zone 8, from India, leaves have red center
stripe or "feather".
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma kwangsiensis
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Curcuma chuanyujin
FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24
(Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma latifolia
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES:
ANGUS BOTANICAL PRINTS - TITLE: Curcuma latifolia. [1828]. Published in
William Roscoe, Monandrian Plants of the Order Scitamineae Chiefly Drawn from Living Specimens in the Botanical Gardens at Liverpool, pl.
108. [With original text description] IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma longa
COMMON NAME: turmeric
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: C. domestica, C. rotunda, Amomum curcuma, jiang huang, Olena, saffron curcuma
FLOWERS: white
HEIGHT: 4 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade to full sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - This specimen was given to me by Larry Shatzer of Our Kids Orchids and Exotics, simply marked as "Saffron
Curcuma". The distinctive orange colored rhizomes tell me it is C. longa, but it has not bloomed yet. The classic cookbook "Joy of Cooking"
indicates that the shredded rhizome can be used as a saffron substitute. In Spring 2000, relocated both plants, side by side in part sun.
This one has grown to almost 4 feet tall. The one purchased as C. domestica has much broader leaves and has grown taller, like C. petiolata,
than the one marked as "saffron Curcuma". SEE notes under Curcuma domestica for more information and images.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma longa L.:
Linnaeus first described this species in 1753. In 1918 Valeton decided that the plant which yielded the spice (turmeric) was a different
species than the medicinal plant. Valeton named the former Curcuma domestica. Holttum in 1950 demonstrated unequivocally that both plants
were of the same species. Since it was first described by Linnaeus, the correct name is Curcuma longa L. [Listed synonym "Curcuma rotunda L."
is incorrect - and is now Boesenbergia rotunda]
MORE...Theodoric Valeton (1855 - 1929) convinced himself (and most of the botanical community) that the species which yielded turmeric was
different from the Curcuma longa described by Linnaeus. He named the turmeric plant Curcuma domestica.
There were two major differences between the taxa. First, the leaf size (much larger). Second, the
origin of the inflorescence. I can never remember which is which, but the inflorescence of one emerges from the tip of the foliage, while the
other is on a stem that sprouts directly from the rhizome. But Rosemary Smith came across a specimen that had both types of inflorescence on
the same plant. She decided that the leaf size was not sufficient a difference to warrant classification as two different species. This
rang the death knell for Curcuma domestica, and we are left with only Curcuma longa. Incidentally, we normally think of saffron as being the
expensive spice from stigmas of Crocus sativus, but the term has been applied to many yellow plant pigments. The saffron robes of Buddhist
monks are dyed with turmeric, which contains the pigment curcumin. 'Olena (that's an apostrophe before the 'O') is the Hawaiian word for a
yellow pigment that they equate with turmeric.
Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24
(Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.
The Study of Zingiberaceae in Thailand, by Puangpen
Sirirugsa1. Curcuma longa L. Distinguished characters.- Rhizome branched, bright yellow. Flower bracts greenish yellow. Coma bracts pale
yellow. Thailand.- Cultivated throughout the country. Distribution.- Cultivated widely in Asia. Uses.- Turmeric powder is used as cosmetics in
lndia. It is also sacred in many social and
religious rites. It is used as a coloring matter in pharmacy, confectionery and food industries. Fresh or dried rhizome is used as spice. The
rhizome is stomachic, stimulant and carminative. It is used as a remedy for diarrhea, rheumatism and is also used to relieve cough and
tuberculosis.
LISTING AT:
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, "The Domes", Milwaukee, WI (listed as C. domestica)
Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh (picture taken)
TOM WOOD - A prolific, broad leaved plant that bears broad, white bracted blooms from the center of the plant. It can grow in full
summer sun and the flowers can be used as a cut flower that lasts for two weeks. It can tolerate conditions in zone 7 south.
GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - The common turmeric of spice and dye fame. White bracts w/yellow fls. in summer
STOKES TROPICALS - A summer bloomer bearing in color from the bottom up green/white and tipped on the crown of scarlet pink with small
yellow flowers. Solid corrugated green leaves 3' long surround the petite inflorescence almost hiding from view. The rhizomes are ground and
used as a spice and also a source for dyes in the Pacific Islands and Asia. Grows to 3'. Very hardy. Goes dormant for the winter.
HORTICOPIA - Grows in USDA zones 7B to 11, Height: 4' to 4' / 1.00m to
1.20m, Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist soil
PLANTATION GARDENS - Leaves are solid green. Grows to three to four feet tall. Bracts are green at the base of the flower
inflorescence, and white tinged with pink at the top. Flowers appear in the summer. The spiceand dye tumeric is made by grinding the rhizome.
From India. PICTURE OF FLOWER.
EARTHCARE ENTERPRISES, Australia - offers this species.
GANESH MANI PRADHAN & SON - (West Bengal, INDIA, Wholesale only) offers this species. (Turmeric...a spice for coloring (yellow) and
flavoring food is made from the dried rhizomes of this plant. Beautiful shell white /cream inflorescence about 12" tall on medium height
plants). Good Cut flower
(http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/turmer30.html - lists synonyms. A perennial plant with roots or tubers oblong, palmate, and
deep orange inside; root-leaves about 2 feet long, lanceolate, long, petioled, tapering at each end, smooth, of a uniform green; petioles
sheathing spike, erect, central, oblong, green; flowers dull yellow, three or five together surrounded by bracteolae. It is propagated by
cuttings from the root, which when dry is in curved cylindrical or oblong tubers 2 or 3 inches in length, and an inch in diameter, pointed or
tapering at one end, yellowish externally, with transverse, parallel rings internally deep orange or reddish brown, marked with shining
points, dense, solid, short, granular fracture, forming a lemon yellow powder. It has a peculiar fragrant odour and a bitterish, slightly
acrid taste, like ginger, exciting warmth in the mouth and colouring the saliva yellow. It yields its properties to water or alcohol.
http://www-ang.kfunigraz.ac.at/~katzer/engl/generic_frame.html?Afra_mel.html -
Turmeric is a very important spice in India, which produces nearly the whole world's crop and uses 80% of it. Turmeric usage dates back nearly
4000 years, to the Vedic culture in India, when turmeric was the principal spice and also of religious significance. In today's India,
turmeric is still added to nearly every dish, be it meat or vegetables. I found the largest quantities of it in cooked lentils (see also dill)
or potatoes. Furthermore, it appears in rice dishes (pullao), although turmeric-dyed rice is not very common in India, which might surprise
people who consider curry rice "typical Indian". Still, turmeric is part of all curry powders (see curry leaves for more information on this
Anglo-Indian spice mixture). Due to Indian influence, turmeric has also made its way to the cuisine of Ethiopia (see long pepper).
In South East Asia, the fresh spice is much preferred to the dried. In Thailand, the fresh rhizome is grated and added to curry dishes; it is
also part of the yellow curry paste (see coconut for more on Thai curries and curry pastes).
Yellow rice (nasi kuning) is popular on the Eastern islands of Indonesia; it derives its colour from fresh or dried turmeric. In Bali, where
alone in Indonesia hinduism has survived, a tasty nasi kuning is prepared from rice, turmeric, coconut milk and
aromatic leaves (Indonesian bay-leaf, lemon grass and pandanus). It is considered a "cultic dish" and sacrificed to the Gods; no-one who has
ever visited Bali will forget the masses of Balinese streaming to temples and sacrificing, among other gifts, cones of yellow rice, e.g. in
Bali's most important temple at Besakih (see also Indonesian bay-leaf for some details about Balinese cooking and lesser galanga for a famous
Balinese recipe). On Java, Indonesia's most populous island, hinduism has been abolished in favour of Islƒm; yet nasi kuning is still held a
somewhat sacred dish. Moreover, Indonesian cooks frequently add dried turmeric to their stews and curries (see greater galangale for an
example).
Western cuisine does not use turmeric directly, but it forms part of several spice
mixtures and sauces; it is also used to impart a bright yellow colour to mustard paste (see white mustard seed).
Turmeric is sometimes confused with saffron because of similar staining capabilities, although saffron gives a more orange colour. Since
IMAGES: Click here for first image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE Click here for second image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE Click here for third image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE Click here for fourth image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE Click here for fifth image THUMBNAIL
survey of food colourings.
or FULL SIZE Click here for sixth image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE
cooking utensils - cutting boards are particularly hard to clean with brush and soap alone. The dye is, however, not light-proof and fades
CAN BE SEEN AT: Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
New York Botanical Garden,
Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, "DOMES", Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma mangga
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma mangga Valeton & v. Zijp.:
GINGERS OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE, Dr. Kai Larsen, et al - on checklist
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma neilgherrensis
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: 3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade
NOTES:
LISTING AT:
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens of Houston, Texas, Described as "Green
banana-like foliage with maroon center stripe.
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma ochrorhiza
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma ochrorhiza Valeton:
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma ornata
COMMON NAME: ornate plume ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: white/purple
HEIGHT: 4-6 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade to part sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, has grown rapidly and is 6 ft. tall as of August.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma ornata Wallich ex Voigt:
PLANT DELIGHTS - Described as resembling C. zedoaria but with larger leaves, 28" long and 8" wide, 5 ft tall, light pink flower.
Rated to zone 7B.
TOM WOOD - Tall plant with shiny leaves that feature a reddish, central stripe. It blooms separately in the spring with broad white
bracts with purple tips. It is hardy to zone 7 and likes partial shade.
GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Light pink bracts "/burgundy stripe in for., spring bloomer
STOKES TROPICALS - Differs from elata in that leaves have a red central stripe and flowers appear later in spring. Plus leaves appear
before inflorescence. Inflorescence is short and has broad white bracts with purple tips. Plant grows from 4' - 5' in medium sun. Hardy in
Zone 8 and higher.
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA
Notes and images for Curcuma parviflora 'White Angel'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma parviflora 'White Angel'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: white
HEIGHT: 12 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - I grew this Curcuma in a pot in dappled shade in 1998-99. It started blooming in late June and the blooms are
long lasting. It has increased very slowly. Height measured mid July 1999= 1 1/2 ft.) This year (1999-2000) I lifted the dormant rhizomes
and stored them in peat in a cool garage until spring. They are planted in 2000 in about 3-4 hours direct sun, and have grown to 18 inches
tall. Very long lasting blooms are pure white. I have one specimen that was purchased from Stokes, and one from Naga Gardens. They are
identical. I believe the name "white angel" is not really a separate cultivar, but just a trade name Stokes has given this plant.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma parviflora Wallich:
The Study of Zingiberaceae in Thailand, by Puangpen
Sirirugsa - Curcuma parviflora Wall. Distinguished characters.- Rhizome small, white. Flower bracts green. Coma bracts and staminodes
white. Labellum purple. Thailand .- Common in the mixed forest of North and Northeast, rare in the Peninsula Distribution.- Myanmar, India,
Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia. Uses.- The inflorescence is eaten as vegetable. The pulp of the rhizome is scraped and applied to cuts.
STOKES TROPICALS - small species, inflorescence is made of a stack of bracts with deep forest green basal bracts and pure white
terminal bracts. Plant grows to 1 ft and blooms freely in a 6 inch pot. Will take med sun, zone 8.
ALOHA TROPICALS - A relatively new introduction, it is definitely a real show stopper! Its growth is 1' to 1 1/2' tall and makes and
excellent potted plant. With its dark green foliage and awesome inflorescence of green spiraled cup bracts and tiny lavender/purple flowers
emerging throughout the bract and to the top it off a pure white tuft
PLANTATION GARDENS - Curcuma parviflora (Paper Curcuma) Grows to about 1 foot tall. Flowers are bore in the axil of the leaves and are
exposed in a showy fashion. Dark green bracts are topped by pure white bracts. PICTURE OF FLOWER
EARTHCARE ENTERPRISES, Australia - offers this species.
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma petiolata
COMMON NAME: hidden lily
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Temoe Poetri
FLOWERS: pinkish purple with yellow & white
HEIGHT: 3-4 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7b
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade to full sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - As advertised, this one will grow easilly and spread in a hurry. Many people around Tallahassee area are
growing it. I have it in part sun and also in shade and it seems to perform well either place. It is a later bloomer than other Curcumas,
blooming in summer. The height is extremely variable, seemingly dependant greatly on soil and light conditions. The tallest plants are in
good organic soil, in 4 hours direct sun, and have reached 5 feet tall. Others in poorer soil and shade are only 2 ft tall.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma petiolata Roxb.:[this includes plants known as Curcuma cordata Wallich] SEE FURTHER
DISCUSSION UNDER CURCUMA CORDATA.
The Study of Zingiberaceae in Thailand, by Puangpen
Sirirugsa - Distinguished characters.- The inflorescence large, may be the largest of the genus. The flower bracts greenish, the coma
bracts pink. Thailand.- NORTHERN: Uttaradit. Distribution.- Myanmar.
From: Tim Chapman - The commonly cultivated hidden ginger, Curcuma petiolata is not petiolata, C. cordata is
not cordata, cordata is petiolata, and petiolata is unknown (maybe longa?). Curcuma cordata is an invalid name for C. petiolata. All of the
pride of thailands, "pink roscoeanas" etc. are this. The hidden ginger was misidentified several years ago as petiolata, so this name problem
will be very hard to fix!!!
SOUTHERN PERENNIALS - Large, showy flowers of bright pinkish purple, with yellow and white, nestle among the broad leaves of this
ginger. Hardy and vigorous; for partial shade; height about 4', with a similar spread. Burma. One of the hardiest gingers. Zones 7b-11.
GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Pink bracts w/yellow fls, blooms in midsummer
STOKES TROPICALS - Probably the most cold hardy of the Curcumas. A fast growing plant that produces whitish pink inflorescence in
summer through fall. Grows to 3' in height in medium to full sun. Hardy in Zone 7 and higher.
PLANTATION GARDENS - This plant has bright green banana like leaves that arise from the ground and grows to 3 to 4 feet tall. See the
picture on the home page. Individual flowers on the flower spike open white and turn yellow. The terminal of the spike is covered with
lavender bracts. From Burma. PICTURE OF FLOWER.
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma petiolata 'Emperor'
COMMON NAME: variegated hidden lily
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: light pink
HEIGHT: 3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7b
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, this appears to be identical to both the C. petiolata 'Variegata' and C. 'Figi'
cultivars. Height in August 2000 is 3 feet.
From: Tim Chapman - As far as I know, there is only one variegated Curcuma, which does go by a few names. It is
a "lucky plant" of Thailand and was introduced here via the weekend market in Bangkok several years ago. The thai name for it basically
translated to emperor, and it sounded like a good name for it.. so thats what I used. It was id'ed as just a form of the common hidden
ginger....which was called C. petiolata at the time. Don't know where the figi name came from.
From: Clarence Hester - For the record, Curcuma petiolata "Emporer" is really vigorous and hardy in my
experience. Here in central N.C. (zone 7), it comes back again and again, no mulch needed. I've "lost" other Curcumas to cold and wet
winters, but this one never fails to come back and multiply. I take no steps to protect it. It also seems to tolerate a great deal of deep
shade. All in all, this is a great variety worthy of growing even if were not for the beautiful variegation.
From: Stephen Nowakowski "Waplants" - I have been told by herb dealers in Thailand that it is the "Emperors
Wan" and said to have magical powers. If planted in front of a business it will bring profits and ward off evil. It is also said that if one
carries a piece of the rhizome on a trip you will always return home even a trip to the
hospital.
PLANT DELIGHTS - Rates to zone 7B, 2 ft tall, says this is a Tim Chapman introduction.
TOM WOOD - -A medium sized (3'), sun-loving plant with broad, ribbed leaves that display a bold, cream-white margin that stripes into the
blade. This fast-growing foliage plant also sports light pink inflorescences in the late summer. Grow it in medium to full sun in zones
7-10.
GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - A variegated form of C petiolata with creamcolored streaks in fol
PLANTATION GARDENS - Similar in size and form to the Curcuma
petiolata. The leaves are boldly variegated with creamy white stripes that
run the length of the leaf. The flowers are white and lightly tipped with
burgundy. PICTURE OF FOLIAGE
IMAGES: Click here for first image THUMBNAIL
or FULL SIZE CAN BE SEEN AT: Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA
Notes and images for Curcuma petiolata 'Variegata'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma petiolata 'Variegata'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Poss. syn of Curcuma 'Fiji'
FLOWERS: light pink
HEIGHT: 3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7b
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - I traded for a small start of this plant in 1999 and it has grown very slowly, did not bloom in 1999. In 2000
I planted it in filtered shade with about an hour of direct sun, planted alongside C. petiolata 'Emporer' and Curcuma 'Figi' which appear to
be identical, at least in the foliage. Bloomed later than 'Figi, but similar in color. Height in August 2000 is 3 feet.
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma phaeocaulis
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton:
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
No Listings
Notes and images for Curcuma pierreana 'Sleeping Princess'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma pierreana 'Sleeping Princess'
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: cream/maroon
HEIGHT: 1-2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES: Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, has grown to 18 inches in dappled shade, has not bloomed yet.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma pierreana Gagnepain:
STOKES TROPICALS - From Viet Nam and Cambodia, short plant grows 1 ft in med to full sun, broad thick green leaves, multiple
inflorescences arise from short basal stalks near leaf bases. Flower starts off as insignificant maroonish cream pointed bracts, stalks
slowly extend and the "sleeping" flowers emerge from inside the bracts. Flowers are white with deep maroon tipped petals and golden yellow
stripe on lower petal. Several (4-6) flowers appear at one time. Runnin rhizome like flaviflora. Zone 9
B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma purpurascens
COMMON NAME: OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: FLOWERS: HEIGHT: MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: LIGHT PREFERENCE: NOTES: TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma purpurascens Blume:
IMAGES: None available
CAN BE SEEN AT: No Listings
