Curcuma petiolata
Roxb.
Pink tower Curcuma, Jewel of Thailand
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Oleg Kosterin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Summary
Source: WikipediaCurcuma petiolata (also known as jewel of Thailand, Siam tulip, hidden ginger, pastel hidden ginger, hidden lily or queen lily) is a plant of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. It is native to Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Java. Average height 2–3 feet (60–90 cm). Flowers cone-shaped, golden-yellow, pink, white or purple. Blooms June–August. Fertile bracts green, coma bracts pinkish white. Leaves glossy with raised veins, 14 inches (36 cm) long, 5 in (13 cm) wide. Petioles 4–6 in (10–15 cm) long. Pests include mealybugs. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers. 'Emperor' selection is grown for its attractive variegated foliage as well as its flowers. Synonyms include Curcuma cordata wall, and the nomen nudum Curcuma cordifolia Roxb.
Description
A ginger family herb with an underground stem and which dies back during the year. It grows 60 cm high. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 20-25 cm wide and 33 cm long. The flowers have a tube shaped lip which is golden. It has bracts with a pink edge. The flower head is cylinder shaped.
Edible Uses
The roots are edible.
Medicinal Uses
Rthe rhizomes are used in the treatment of anorexia, puerperal fever and colic.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows well in a seasonally moist and dry climate. It needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It needs bright shade. It suits hardiness zones 8-12.
Where It Grows
Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Singapore, Thailand,
Cultivation
Plants in this genus generaly prefer a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Germinates best at temperatures around 20°c. Division of the rhizome when the plant is dormant.
Notes
There are about 50 Curcuma species. They are mostly in SE Asia.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Malar, Temu putri
References (4)
- Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 325
- Fl. ind. 1:36. 1820
- Lembaga Biologi Nasional, 1977, Ubi-Ubian, Balai Pustaka, Jakarta. p 90
- Llamas, K.A., 2003, Tropical Flowering Plants. Timber Press. p 361
