Curcuma aromatica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Species:
C. aromatica
Binomial name
Curcuma aromatica
Synonyms[1]
  • Curcuma wenyujin Y.H.Chen & C.Ling
  • Curcuma zedoaria Roxb., sensu auct.

Curcuma aromatica (common name: wild turmeric) is a member of the genus Curcuma belonging to the family Zingiberaceae.[2] Botanically close to Curcuma australasica, wild turmeric has been widely used as a cosmetic herbal in South Asia and nearby regions.[3] In Tamil and Malayalam, it is known as Kasthuri Manjal (கஸ்துரி மஞ்சள்/കസ്തൂരി മഞ്ഞൾ).

Description

The wild turmeric is one among the 80 members of the plant family Zingiberaceae. The perennial foliage dies down in late autumn and the rhizomes remain dormant in winter. The inflorescence appears in early spring from the base of the rhizomes. During summer monsoon season and the immediately following weeks, the plant grows fast and vigorously. The stalk grows to about 20–30 centimetres (7.9–11.8 in) tall, and is crowned with enlarged coloured bracts with pink tips. Leaves often appear even after the flowers. When in full growth the plants can reach a height of about 40 cm (16 in) tall.[4]

Habitat

This species is found in the south Asian region, predominantly in South India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. The chemical composition of the species grown in different areas were found to be in different quantities.[5] It is commonly known to native to Western Ghats and has been used by South Asian communities.[6]

Uses

Wild turmeric has rhizomes with a peculiar fragrance and cream color. The rhizomes are often used as a culinary ingredient, and in traditional medicine, for skin disorders and as an antibacterial agent. It is also commonly used in ethnic cosmetic products.[2] As a culinary ingredient it is used in limited quantities as a natural food colour. Leaves are broad and very decorative, elliptic with a leaf stem running as long to the tip of the blade. A fresh stalk with flowers and leaves, cut to proper size and shape, can be used as a floral indoor decoration in vase for up to 10 days.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 "Curcuma aromatica Salisb." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-12-07.
  2. 1 2 A, Sikha; A, Harini; L, Hegde Prakash (2015). "Pharmacological activities of wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb): a review" (PDF). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 3 (5): 01–04. eISSN 2278-4136.
  3. ↑ Pant, Neerja; Jain, D.C; Bhakuni, R.S; Prajapati, Veena; Tripathi, A.K; Kumar, S (2001). "Zederone: A sesquiterpenic keto-dioxide from Curcuma aromatica" (PDF). Indian Journal of Chemistry. 40B: 87–88.
  4. ↑ "Curcuma aromatica - Wild Turmeric". www.flowersofindia.net. Retrieved 2019-05-22.
  5. ↑ Dosoky, Noura S.; Satyal, Prabodh; Setzer, William N. (2019). "Variations in the Volatile Compositions of Curcuma Species". Foods. 8 (2): 53. doi:10.3390/foods8020053. ISSN 2304-8158. PMC 6406329. PMID 30717336.
  6. 1 2 "Curcuma aromatica - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2019-05-22.

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