Curcuma Notes

Notes and images for Curcuma roscoeana
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma roscoeana
COMMON NAME: pride of Burma
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Jewel of Burma
FLOWERS: orange
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: shade to part sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted rhizome in spring 2000, did not sprout.
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma roscoeana Wallich:

The Study of Zingiberaceae in Thailand, by Puangpen Sirirugsa - Curcuma roscoeana Wall. Distinguished characters.- The flower bracts bright orange. No coma bracts. It has been well known as ornamental plant and has become an important export of Thailand. Thailand.- NORTHERN: Mae Hong Son, Phitsanulok; SOUTHWESTERN: Kanchanaburi. Distribution.- Myanmar and commonly cultivated.

Clarence Hester of Durham, NC, heste018@mc.duke.edu - has been unable to successfully overwinter this plant outdoors.

TOM WOOD - A short, plant for partial shade that bears a waxy, bright orange spike up to six inches long. A lasting cut flower that can be grown in well drained soils (protect from cold, wet conditions) in zone 8 and south.

LISTING AT:
Univ. of Connecticut Botanical Garden - Description: To 3 feet; leaves oblong, 12-18 inches long, acuminate; flower spike terminating the leafy stem, 8 inches long or more, bracts deep scarlet or orange-red, the terminal ones with flowers in their axils, not sterile; flowers bright yellow, scarcely longer than bracts. A source tumeric, used as a spice and dye, which is obtained from the rhizome of the plant. Most commercial tumeric is obtained from C. domestica. India Whether this species should be placed in Curcuma is open to question.
IMAGE AT U. CONN

GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Bright orange bracts w/orange fls, fall bloomer

STOKES TROPICALS - Called the "Jewel of Burma". Short plant to 24" high. Does well in shade to medium sun. Striking pure orange inflorescence appears in center of graceful cluster of foliage. Excellent pot plant. Keep dry in winter. Makes good cut flower. Hard-to-find ginger that is in limited supply. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful of all the gingers. (

ALOHA TROPICALS - Snuggled among the large ribbed leaves, this spectacular inflorescence is a spire cup-shape, fiery orange bract that last for weeks and makes an excellent cut flower. It grows 2' to 3' in partial sun to shade. Keep on the dry side while dormant.

PLANTATION GARDENS - Grows only 2 to 3 feet tall. Has large bright orange waxy looking cones containing orange/yellow flowers. The last Curcuma to bloom. Flowers appear in late summer and fall. From India. PICTURE OF FLOWER

HORTICOPIA -Grows in USDA zones 8B to 11, Height: 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm, Prefers partial shade and moist soil
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA
Univ. of Connecticut Botanical Garden, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma roscoeana 'White Flame'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma roscoeana 'White Flame'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
HORTICOPIA -Grows in USDA zones 8B to 11, Height: 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm Prefers partial shade and moist soil
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Notes and images for Curcuma rubescens
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma rubescens
COMMON NAME: wine red plume
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: purple
HEIGHT: 6 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, planted next to Curcuma 'Scarlet Fever' for comparison. The two plants are similar looking with their red stems, but this one is shorter than the cultivar and does not have the burgundy midstripe. The solid green leaves are 3 ft tall in August 2000 and the plant has not bloomed.

TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma rubescens Roxb.:

TOM WOOD - (C.rubescens aff.)This is a tall, broad leaved, sun loving plant with a separate, deep purple bracted spike in the spring. The stem and leaf midribs are a shiny, bright wine red contrasting with the deep green leaves. Thrives from zone 7-10.
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma siamensis
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma siamensis
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Dwarf Chiang Mai Snow is sold under this species name at Naga Gardens in Houston.
IMAGES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
New Orleans Botanical Garden,

Notes and images for Curcuma sichuanensis
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sichuanensis
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Curcuma albicoma
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24 (Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma soloensis
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma soloensis
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma soloensis Valeton:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Notes and images for Curcuma sp 'from Whiskey Barrel'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp 'from Whiskey Barrel'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Amethyst'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Amethyst'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: red
HEIGHT: 18 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:

PLANTATION GARDENS - Curcuma sp.'Amethyst' The leaves are about 5 inches wide by 18 inches long, resulting in a short statured plant of about 18 inches. The flowers cone has red bracts at the top and the bracts down the sides are tipped in red. The lower stems are reddish in color. PICTURE OF FLOWER
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Candy Corn'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Candy Corn'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 10
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade
NOTES:
STOKES TROPICALS - bunches of basal infl. appear in spring and summer, typical Curcuma leaves to 24 inches tall, zone 10 and higher.
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Green and White'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Green and White'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: white/green
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade
NOTES:
STOKES TROPICALS - reddish stems and infl. with emerald green bracts, topped with snow white bracts with green tips. med. Shade, collected in Thailand, prob. zone 9
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Ivory Ice'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Ivory Ice'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT: 2-3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade
NOTES:
STOKES TROPICALS - new from Thailand, ivory colored bracts holding orange-yellow flowers, grows 2-3 ft in med. shade, prob. zone 9

B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog (Note: listed here as Zingiber 'Ivory Ice'
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Maroon'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Maroon'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: maroon
HEIGHT: 18 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:

PLANTATION GARDENS - Curcuma sp. 'Maroon' The leaves are about 4.5 inches wide by 18 inches long. They are smooth in texture and light green. The flower is borne down in the foliage, but readily visible and is about 12 inches off the ground. The top bracts of the flower spike are maroon and the tips of the side bracts are maroon. PICTURE OF FLOWER.
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Prachinburi'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Prachinburi'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: red
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted rhizome in spring 2000, plant has grown to 2 ft tall in dappled shade, with medium width of leaves, solid green. Has not bloomed yet.

NAGA GARDENS, INC. - A new one from the north of Thailand. Around 2' tall with real nice large red bracts in summer. I have a picture, but it is not real good. I think it is pictured on page 56 of the Thai Curcuma book.
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Ribbon'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Ribbon'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: pink/yellow
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted summer 2000, received in poor condition from Stokes and did not survive. Stokes sent a replacement, again in poor condition. The foliage died in a few days and never resprouted. (See my Stokes story regarding my problems receiving plants from Stokes Tropicals this year.)

STOKES TROPICALS - a magnificent new Curcuma from Thailand with narrow leaves and a hot pink tipped infl. holding golden yellow flowers. Med shade, prob zone 9.
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Scarlet Fever'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Scarlet Fever'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT: 3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - I bought this in fall 1999, tagged only as Curcuma 'Scarlet Fever'. It was 3 ft in height, November 1999, growing in dappled shade. Did not bloom in 1999, but it was purchased late in the year. This Curcuma did not go dormant until late December 1999, although we had several light frosts. It matches the description of the stem and midrib of C. rubescens. In 2000 I planted it next to a specimen of C. rubescens I received from Linda Gay at Mercer Arboretum. The 'Scarlet Fever' has grown to 5 1/2 ft in dappled shade, compared to the species which is 3 ft tall. The 'Scarlet Fever' has a distinct burgundy midrib stripe compared to the species which is solid green. Neither plant has bloomed as of this writing, August 2000.

Frank Galloway - I have grown "Scarlet Fever" for 3 years and am yet to see blooms. I am sure that this has more to do with 100 mph winds from hurricanes ( I garden in southeastern NC aka Hurricane Alley) than from our mild winters (Z8). The plant itself is impressive in both size and color. Growth is vigorous and like Dave stated seems to persist longer than the other curcs. Does anyone out there have a pic of it bloom? It is worth growing for the foliage alone.

From: Jody Haynes - Thought I would share a photo of my Curcuma sp. "Scarlet Fever" plant with everyone. This plant has grown like crazy this year. Russell Adams' plants (from which mine came) are much smaller and stockier (I assume this is due to higher light) and are clustering much more than mine (which hasn't divided at all). Anyway, I am quite proud of my 8-footer! Jody
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Sri Pok'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Sri Pok'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: burgundy red/yello
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
ALOHA TROPICALS - An amazing new species from Vietnam with large pleated leaves with lower maroon stems, foliage is first to appear before it's majestic dark burgundy-red inflorescence appears terrestrially from the soil, sporting large orange yellow flowers popping out intermittently throughout it's bracts. Propagates easily from division. Very rare!

STOKES TROPICALS - (spelled here as "Sri Pak") from VietNam, grows to 2 ft, extremely colorful flowers arixing from the soil at the base of the leaves in summer. Prob. zone 9.
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Notes and images for Curcuma sp. 'Thai #1'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sp. 'Thai #1'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - This plant was received from Mercer Arboretum. Linda Gay explained that this is a plant brought in by Tim Chapman, species unknown. Newly planted summer 2000, nothing to report.
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Notes and images for Curcuma sumatrana
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma sumatrana
COMMON NAME: Sumatra ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: Olena ginger, Curcuma olena
FLOWERS: hot pink
HEIGHT: 2-3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, purchased from Gainesville Tree Farm. They have it tagged as "Curcuma sumatrana 'Olena'. I have it growing in dappled shade and it has grown to 4 ft tall as of August 2000. Has not bloomed. Foliage has distinct burgundy midrib stripe, leaves are not as wide as C. zedoaria. I obtained a second specimen of Curcuma sumatrana from David Petersen of Houston, Texas in August 2000, and it does not have a burgundy midstripe. Neither plant bloomed in 2000.

TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma sumatrana Miq.:

LISTING AT:
IMAGE AT FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN WEBSITE of Curcuma sumatrana
Denver Botanic Garden (Picture taken there, tag says Curcuma olena)

TOM WOOD - An oval leaved plant that only grows two feet tall. This plant produces many stems per season each topped with a hot pink, round bracted bloom. The cut blooms last 7-10 days in a vase and 3-4 weeks on the plant. It should have filtered noonday shade and grows well up to zone 8.

GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Deep red bracts, yellow fls, long blooming (12 wks)

SOUTHERN PERENNIALS - Summer-blooming hidden ginger. Differs from C. petiolata in having the inflorescence topped with deep reddish purple instead of pink; very beautiful. Also, leaves are darker green and plants are much shorter - height 2 feet. Zones 8-11.

STOKES TROPICALS - A knockout. Short plant with large bright pink central inflorescence. Height to 24". Medium sun. Flowers summer to fall. Goes dormant in December but returns in April.

PLANTATION GARDENS - Curcuma olena This short 2 foot tall plant produces inflorescences throughout the summer and early fall. Inflorescence bracts are dark green at the base and deep purplish pink at the top.

HORTICOPIA -Grows in USDA zones 8B to 11, Height: 24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm, Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist soil
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
New York Botanical Garden,
Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma thorelii
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma thorelii
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: white
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade to shade
NOTES:
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma thorelii Gagnepain:

GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Rare introduction from Thailand; bracts green w/white top, fls. Purple

HORTICOPIA -Grows in USDA zones 9A to 11, Height: 18" to 24" / 45cm to 60cm, Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist soil
IMAGES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma thorelii 'Chiang Mai Dwarf'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma thorelii 'Chiang Mai Dwarf'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: white
HEIGHT: 12-18 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade to part sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - This was purchased in 1998 and it bloomed beautifully. I kept it potted and kept in greenhouse over the winter. In spring 1999, I took a lot of root cuttings (the fat tubers growing out of the rhizome) hoping I could get them to grow into new plants. Wrong, none of them produced plants and eventually rotted away. The remaining plant has lanquished, the leaves seemed unable to uncurl and kept browning. I was growing it in part shade. It survived but only barely. In 2000 I planted the surviving rhizome in rich but sandy soil with good drainage in 3-4 hours direct sun. It started blooming in August, looks healthy and has grown to 18 inches. Leaves are medium width and have a distinct burgundy midrib stripe.

STOKES TROPICALS - Same as Tall Chiang Mai Snow Ginger except this plant only grows to l'-1 1/2' high.

ALOHA TROPICALS - This beautiful dwarf species was just recently introduced, the inflorescence are dark green starting at the bottom with maroon purple flowers peeking out of the spire cup bracts and topped with a pure white tuft
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
New Orleans Botanical Garden,

Notes and images for Curcuma thorelii 'Chiang Mai Snow'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma thorelii 'Chiang Mai Snow'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: white
HEIGHT: 2-3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade to part sun
NOTES:
STOKES TROPICALS - A beautiful tall species recently introduced from Thailand. Has a large snow white inflorescence that is particularly large. Plant grows 2' - 3' high. Prefers medium sun. Blooms early summer to fall.
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Notes and images for Curcuma viridiflora
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma viridiflora
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma viridiflora Roxb.:

GINGERS OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE, Dr. Kai Larsen, et al - on checklist

Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24 (Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Notes and images for Curcuma wenyujin
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma wenyujin
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24 (Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.
IMAGES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Black Thai'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Black Thai'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: dark burgundy
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to part shade
NOTES:
ALOHA TROPICALS - A new introduction, this is the darkest color of all of the curcumas, with a deep intense rich burgundy red top glided down to spire cup bracts of yellow and green which emerge pretty yellow inflorescence which cover the bracts. As with many curcumas this variety's inflorescence bract if borne from the soil. Very hardy and rare! Spectacular!
IMAGES:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Feather Boa'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Feather Boa'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: pink
HEIGHT: 6 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES:
TOM WOOD - A tall, lance leaved plant that has long stemmed spikes from spring through fall. The many, dense, narrow, powderpuff pink bracts are stunning. Sun loving and hardy in zones 8-10.
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Figi'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Figi'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: variegated leaves
HEIGHT: 3 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - I bought this plant from Tropical Paradise Exotic Plant Nursery in Ft Lauderdale. It looks very much like C. petiolata 'Variegata'. I was unsure of its hardiness the first year (1998) so I kept it potted up and in the greenhouse overwinter. Bloomed briefly with a white colored bloom, making me believe it is a cultivar of C. longa. As of 2000 it has increased well and bloomed prolificly with which flowers, infl. shaped much like C. petiolata. In size, shape, and variegation this plant looks identical to C. petiolata 'variegata' and C. petiolata 'Emporer'. Plant is 3 ft tall in dappled shade.

From: Tim Chapman - Dave et al, 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. Tim Chapman
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Green Goddess'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Green Goddess'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: greenish flowers
HEIGHT: 8 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade to part sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - This is a really cute little plant with grassy foliage instead of the broad leaves of other Curcumas. It is slow to emerge in spring and slow to increase. The inflorescense is unlike any other, greenish colored and about the size of my thumb. I am growing it in part shade. (Height measured mid August = 6-8 inches)

STOKES TROPICALS - not in this years catalog?
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Hot Lips'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Hot Lips'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: hot pink
HEIGHT: 4 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES:
TOM WOOD - Exclusive-A narrow leaved four foot plant that has many ten inch spikes in the spring. They are topped with rounded, shiny, hot pink bracts. This species likes sun and has been shown to be hardy in zones 8-10.
IMAGES:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Khymer Orange'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Khymer Orange'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: orange
HEIGHT: 18-24 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES:
STOKES TROPICALS - from Cambodia with beautiful burnt orange inflorescence and orange flowers. Possiblly related to C. aurantiaca, but is distinct in size and inflorescence shape. Plant is smaller than C. aurantiaca, grows 1 1/2 to 2 ft high and with a lamp globe shaped inflorescence. Late summer to late fall bloomer, likes med sun, prob zone 8

B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
New Orleans Botanical Garden,

Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Khymer Pure Pink'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Khymer Pure Pink'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, planted in filtered shade, has grown to 12 inches with narrow solid green leaves.

Listed at Naga Gardens in Houston
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Maroon Beauty'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Maroon Beauty'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: maroon
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: med sun
NOTES:
STOKES TROPICALS - From Thailand, tough dark green leaves with fuzzy undersides, grow to 2 ft high in med sun. Deep maroon inflorescence from late summer to early fall, wonderful tough little plant, prob zone 8

B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
IMAGES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Panama Purple'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Panama Purple'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: PURPLE
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to part shade
NOTES:
ALOHA TROPICALS - Dark purple inflorescence emerge amongst the foliage in the spring. This species is about 2'. Its leaves are distinguished by a dark purple strip down the center. Partial sun to semi shade, goes dormant for the winter, very hardy. Tropical!
IMAGES:
None available
CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Pink Pearl'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Pink Pearl'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: C. sparganifolia?
FLOWERS: pink or rose with white
HEIGHT: 12 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted spring 2000, has grown to 9 inches tall in 4 hours direct sun, with narrow grassy leaves. Bloomed in mid August, very pretty and long lasting.

STOKES TROPICALS - from Cambodia, species not known for sure but may be C. sparganifolia. A strikingly different Curcuma with rose-colored cupped bracts that have white diamond tips. Comes in 3 colors and shapes, tall stem extends high above long narrow leaves. Small white flowers deep wiithin the bracts. Med to full sun, makes outstanding cut flower lasting more than a week. Prob zone 9 , great pot plant for well lit areas and mass planting in beds.

TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma x 'Pink Pearl' I don't know whether this is Curcuma sparganifolia Gagnepain (first described in 1903)
IMAGES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Purple Gusher'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Purple Gusher'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: white/maroon
HEIGHT: 6 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES:
TOM WOOD - A tall, lance leaved, vigorous, sun-loving hybrid that has the unique property of blooming massively both in the spring separate from the leafy stem and from the center of the plant in the summer. The long-stemmed blooms have white bracts tipped with deep maroon and up to 10" long. Hybrid vigor ensures that this plant will produce two to three times the number of spikes as other Curcumas. It makes a good cut flower and can be grown outside at least from zone 8-10.
IMAGES:
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CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Siam Diamond'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Siam Diamond'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: rose/white
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
IMAGES:
None available
CAN BE SEEN AT:
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Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Siam Ruby'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Siam Ruby'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: may be C. sparganifolia
FLOWERS: rose pink
HEIGHT: 12 inches
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 9
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun to full sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - Another super dwarf Curcuma, a foot or less. It is very slowly increasing. I managed to get a second plant started in 1999 but it failed to grow in 2000. I kept it potted through the winter. In mid-July 1999 it started blooming, very tiny inflorescence about the size of my little pinky. Unusual color, hard to describe reddish pink tinged in green. Foliage is grassy like 'Green Goddess'. In 2000 it has grown to only 4 inches tall and has not bloomed.

STOKES TROPICALS - Similar to 'Pink Pearl' except the tips of the rose pink bracts are tipped in brilliant dark emerald green. Probably the same species just different color variation. Prob zone 9
IMAGES:
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Click here for second image THUMBNAIL or FULL SIZE
CAN BE SEEN AT:
New Orleans Botanical Garden,

Notes and images for Curcuma x 'Taksin Gem'
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma x 'Taksin Gem'
COMMON NAME:
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: pink, red & white
HEIGHT: 2 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part sun
NOTES:
B & T WORLD SEEDS - listed in their catalog
IMAGES:
None available
CAN BE SEEN AT:
No Listings

Notes and images for Curcuma yunnanensis
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma yunnanensis
COMMON NAME: Yunnan plume ginger
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS:
FLOWERS: bright plum
HEIGHT: 6 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 8
LIGHT PREFERENCE: part shade to part sun
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - newly planted summer 2000, kept in pot in greenhouse.

TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma yunnanensis N. Liu & S.J. Chen:

Described in Flora of China, Vol. 24 (Flagellariaceae-Marantaceae). Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden.

TOM WOOD - A tall plant with lance shaped leaves having a purplish stripe down the middle. It has blooms featuring many narrow upright bracts that are bright plum colored. It has a long blooming season in zone 8 (July-Oct) and prefers lightly filtered sun.

STOKES TROPICALS - tall plant with lance shaped leaves and purplish stripe, blooms with narrow upright bracts bright plum colored, long blooming season, July to Oct and prefers lightly filtered sun, zone 8.
IMAGES:
Click here for first image THUMBNAIL or FULL SIZE
Click here for second image THUMBNAIL or FULL SIZE
CAN BE SEEN AT:
New Orleans Botanical Garden,
Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma zanthorrhiza
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma zanthorrhiza
COMMON NAME: Temulawak
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: C. xanthorrhiza
FLOWERS:
HEIGHT:
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE:
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
NOTES:
TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.: spelling error. [Roxburgh first named it zanthorrhiza, then xanthorrhiza]

The Study of Zingiberaceae in Thailand, by Puangpen Sirirugsa - Curcuma xanthorhiza Roxb. Distinguished characters.- Rhizome large, ovoid, dark orangish-yellow. Thailand.- NORTHREN: Chiang Mai, SOUTHEASTERN: Chantaburi,Trat; PENINSULA: Phang-nga. Distribution.- India, Indonesia, Malaysia.

LISTING AT:
Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh (their spelling is C. xanthorrhiza)

EARTHCARE ENTERPRISES - TEMULAWAK (Java) - This species bears a striking similarity to Cape York Turmeric. It differs in that the flower bracts are a deeper pink/purple colour as is the dark strip that runs up the centre of the leaf. Often used medicinally, in Bali a delicious drink is made by cooking dried slices of rhizome in water with palm sugar. Shoots, flowers and young rhizomes are eaten raw or cooked.

GINGERS OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE, Dr. Kai Larsen, et al - on checklist
IMAGES:
None available
CAN BE SEEN AT:
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Notes and images for Curcuma zedoaria
BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma zedoaria
COMMON NAME: zedoary
OTHER NAMES & SYNONYMS: White turmeric, Temu Puteh
FLOWERS: maroon
HEIGHT: 4-5 ft
MIN. USDA HARDINESS ZONE: 7B
LIGHT PREFERENCE: partial shade to shade
NOTES:
Le Jardin Ombragé - This is a wonderful Curcuma with very attractive upright fan foliage with a pronounced center purple stripe. Blooms in mid spring. It increases well and is problem free as most gingers are. I am growing it in part sun. (Height measured mid August 1999= 7 ft.) In 2000 the plant has increased well and bloomed well in spring. As of August 2000 it is 6 ft tall growing in 4 hours direct sun.

TAXONOMY NOTES BY BRIAN MIDDLEDITCH - Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe:

The Study of Zingiberaceae in Thailand, by Puangpen Sirirugsa - Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. Distinguished characters.- The rhizome pale yellow or white inside. The coma bracts dark red to purple. Thailand.- NORTHERN: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai; EASTERN: Nakhon Ratchasima, CENTRAL: Saraburi; SOUTHEASTERN: Trat. Distribution.- India (Himalaya), Southeast Asia. Uses.- Young rhizome is eaten as vegetable soup. Rhizomes are used in relief of stomachache and as a carminative. It is also used in perfumery. Leaves are used for flavoring fish and other food.

Listed as a naturalized species, falsely reported in Hawaii and reported Florida by the Biota of North America Program.

PLANT DELIGHTS - Rated to zone 7B, survived down to 0ø F. in Raleigh, NC, only 3 ft tall there.

GAINESVILLE TREE FARM - Burgundy bracts w/yellow fls., Ivs. w/red midrib, spring bloomer

SOUTHERN PERENNIALS - The large leaves have a purplish midrib. Flowers yellow, with white, from a maroon inflorescence, in spring before the leaves emerge. Northeast India. Cultivated in China for the starchy root. Zones 8-11; hardy here to 7øF.

PLANTATION GARDENS - Foliage grows 4 to 5 feet tall. Leaves are dark green with a burgundy midrib. The flower spike appears in late March to April in South Georgia and appears just before the foliage. The flower spike will grow about a foot tall. Individual flowers are white turning yellow. The top bracts are the most showy part of the flower spike and are bright red. From India. FLOWER PICTURE.

GANESH MANI PRADHAN & SON - (West Bengal, INDIA, Wholesale only) offers this species. (pink and deep, brown/green inflorescence in spring from the rhizome before leaves emerge. Green leaves with brown stripe down the midrib). Good cut flower and decorative leaves

HORTICOPIA -Grows in USDA zones 7B to 11, Height: 24" to 36" / 60cm to 90cm, Prefers partial shade and moist soil

http://www-ang.kfunigraz.ac.at/~katzer/engl/generic_frame.html?Afra_mel.html - Zedoary is much used as a medicine in China and Japan; the essential oil has some importance for perfume and even more liquor industry. Culinary use is restricted to Thailand, where the young rhizome is eaten as a very aromatic vegetable. Due to its bitter taste, the dried rhizome is seldom used as a spice alone, but sometimes appears in spice mixtures (curry powder, see curry leaves for a discussion of that mixture); used in minute amounts, it might be worth trying.

GINGERS OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA & SINGAPORE, Dr. Kai Larsen, et al - on checklist
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 or FULL SIZE
CAN BE SEEN AT:
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Houston, Texas, USA
Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida, USA
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
New Orleans Botanical Garden,

Copyright © 2000 Dave Skinner