+ Species of the Genus Curcuma Since assembly of the genus Curcuma by Linnaeus in 1753 about 130 species have been described so far. Some of the species descriptions are without Latin diagnosis or type specimen, therefore the legitimate status of many species is suspicious and remains unclear. An overview about the taxonomical classification along with citation of the most relevant literature of Curcuma species can be found at Wikispecies . Nowaday, there are about 100 accepted species in the Genus Cucuma. The important species include: 1- Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. : Siam tulip 2- Curcuma amada Roxb. : mango-ginger 3- Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. 4- Curcuma aromatica Salisb. : wild turmeric 5- Curcuma australasica Hook.f. 6- Curcuma caesia Roxb. : black turmeric 7- Curcuma comosa Roxb. 8- Curcuma longa L. : turmeric 9- Curcuma petiolata Roxb. 10- Curcuma prakasha S.Tripathi 11- Curcuma roscoeana Wall. 12- Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. : temu lawak 13- Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe : zedoary Source: Curcuma- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2- Characteristics of the important species of the Genus Curcuma
2.1- Species Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. - Siam tulip + Overview Curcuma alismatifolia, Siam tulip or summer tulip (Thai: pathuma, or dok krajiao) is a tropical plant native to Laos, northern Thailand and Cambodia. Despite its name, it is not related to the tulip, but to the various ginger species such as turmeric. It can grow as an indoor plant, and is also sold as cut flowers. One of the most famous wild fields of Siam Tulips is in Pa Hin Ngam National Park in the Chaiyaphum province of Thailand. + Note! Malvidin 3-rutinoside is a pigment responsible for bract color in Curcuma alismatifolia. Synonyms: Hitcheniopsis alismatifolia (Gagnep.) Loes. in H.G.A.Engler
2.2- Species Curcuma amadaRoxb. - Mango-ginger + Overview Curcuma amada (mango ginger) is a plant of the ginger family Zingiberaceae and is closely related to turmeric. The rhizomes are very similar to ginger but have a raw mango taste. They are used in making pickles in south India. The taxonomy of the species is a subject of some confusion as some authorities have considered the name Curcuma mangga as identical while others describe it as a distinct species with Curcuma mangga being found in southern India while Curcuma amada is of east Indian origin. + Note! Curcuma mangga extracts have shown cytotoxic activities on the human cancer cell lines MCF-7 (a hormone-dependent breast cell line), KB (a nasopharyngeal epidermoid cell line), A549 (a lung cell line), Ca Ski (a cervical cell line), and HT-29 (a colon cell line). The extracts showed no cytotoxicity against the non-cancerous human fibroblast cell line MRC-5. Synonyms: Curcuma mangga Valeton & van Zijp bsp; (Gagnep.) Loes. in H.G.A.Engler
2.3- Species Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. + Overview Curcuma angustifolia is one of over 80 species belonging to the genus Curcuma , in the family Zingiberaceae. This species is native to the Indian subcontinent and is more commonly known as East Indian Arrowroot or narrow-leaved turmeric in English, and is called "yaipan" in Manipuri, "tikhur" in Hindi, and "Koova" in Malayalam. In the Eastern hemisphere, the plant plays an integral role in many cultures. + Distribution Curcuma angustifolia is most commonly found growing wild in India, especially in the northeast and western coastal plains and hills. Such areas include the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa (Odisha), Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. This species can also be found in Burma, Laos, Nepal, and Pakistan.
2.4- Species Curcuma aromatica Salisb. - Wild turmeric + Overview Curcuma aromatica (common name: wild turmeric) is a member of the Curcuma genus belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. Botanically close to Curcuma australasica, wild turmeric has been widely used as a cosmetic herbal in South Asia and nearby regions. + Description The wild ginger is one among the 80 members of Zingiberaceae family of plants. 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. + Uses Wild turmeric has rhizomes with a peculiar fragrance and cream color. The rhizomes are often used in cosmetic herbal medicines and as a culinary ingredient in limited quantities as a food flavor. 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. Source: Curcuma aromatica - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.5- Species Curcuma australasica Hook.f. + Overview Curcuma australasica, Native Turmeric, or Cape York Lily, is a rhizomatousherbaceousperennial plant of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. Curcuma - from the Arabic name for turmeric, kurkum and australasica - for Australian. + Description Curcuma australasica is the only Australian native of the 50 world-wide species of Curcuma. It occurs on Cape York Peninsula, a few areas in the Northern Territory, Australia, and in Papua New Guinea. It has a very beautiful, long-lasting flower found in moist pockets in sandstone areas and in wet woodland and forest areas. It grows well in containers, can be propagated by division and prefers to well-watered in summer and dry in winter. + Uses It is grown for its flowers in Zimbabwe, and acultivated variety called "Aussie Plume" is grown in the US which can grow up to 6 ft (almost 2 meters) tall. The native form is usually less than 500 mm tall (20 inches), with long green leaves (140-450 x 60-190 mm), pleated. Flowers 15-20 mm, November to March in Queensland, normally yellow on a spike with pink, red, mauve or green bracts. Occasionally a white form is found in the wild - see accompanying photograph. The Aboriginal Gugu Yimithirr language name is kumbigi. Aboriginal people in Cape York Peninsula used to roast and eat the roots of this plant. IUCN Red List status: not evaluated, but very common and widespread in Queensland.
2.6- Species Curcuma caesia Roxb. - Black turmeric + Overview Curcuma caesia, black turmeric or black zedoary is a perennial herb with bluish-black rhizome, native to North-East and Central India. Black turmeric is also sparsely found in the Papi Hills of East Godavari, West Godavari, and the Khammam districts of Andhra Pradesh. The rhizome of black turmeric has a high economic importance owing to its putative medicinal properties. In west Bengal, the rhizome of the plant is used in Kali Puja, and hence the plant is called Kali haldi. By etymology, Kali is the feminine form of Kala, which means black color and hence the plant is termed as black turmeric in English. This species has been regarded as endangered by the central forest department of India due to biopiracy. + Medicinal Uses The rhizomes are used as a rubeficient to rub the body after taking a Turkish bath. InBengal, it is used in the fresh state-turmeric. The rhizomes of the herb are often used by the Baiga, Sahariya, Agariya, Gond, Korku, and other tribal communities of Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Anooppur, and Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh state for the treatment of pneumonia, cough, and cold in children, and for fever and asthma in adults. In northeast India, the powder of rhizomes is used by tribal women as a face-pack during their engagement and marriage period. Fresh rhizomes are crushed and applied as a paste on forehead for relief from migraine or applied on the body for sprains and bruises. In Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, Kanti tribes apply fresh rhizome paste on snake and scorpion bites. The rhizomes are claimed to have a property of acting against leukoderma, epilepsy, cancer and HIV/AIDS. Gondi people of Bastar apply rhizome paste on the hydrocele using betel leaves. Intake of small amount of rhizome paste is claimed to expel gases from stomach and cure menstrual disorders. Source: Curcuma caesia - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.7- Species Curcuma comosa Roxb. + Overview Curcuma comosa is a species of flowering plant in the ginger family. It is native to much of Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The herb is cultivated in Thailand, especially in the Northern Province, including Petchaboon, and the Northeastern Province, including Loei. Curcuma comosa is widely used as a traditional herbal remedy. + Uses This medicinal plant is used for its anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of postpartum uterine bleeding and uterineinflammation. Research suggests that Curcuma comosa extract possesses a strong anti-inflammatory activity and has a potential to be developed as a therapeutic compound for diverse neurological disorders associated with inflammation. Thai traditional practitioners use the rhizome of Curcuma comosa in the treatment of women for the alleviation of postpartum uterine pain, the enhancement of uterine involution and the reduction of uterine inflammation after delivery. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of Curcuma comosa showing that it can reduce blood cholesterol, increase the thickness of epithelial cells lining the vagina, and decrease uterine smooth muscle contraction. The plant is also used to repair vaginal wallprolapse, tighten vaginal muscles, and relieve premenstrual syndrome and cramping. It has been used for centuries in Thailand as a remedy for many other gynecological problems including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, excessive white and yellow vaginal discharge, bad odor, and irregular, excessive, or absent menstrual cycles. It appears to increase the effect of ovarian and testicularhormones, and may have an estrogenic effect. It is used in Thai luxury spas to lift sagging muscles, promote circulation, and provide good health and glowing skin. Source: Curcuma comosa - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.8- Species Curcuma longa L. - Turmeric + Overview Turmeric(Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatousherbaceousperennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is native to southwest India. It needs temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes and propagated from some of those rhizomes in the following season. When not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for about 30-45 minutes then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep-orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in Bangladeshi cuisine, Indian cuisine, Pakistani cuisine and curries, for dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. One active ingredient is curcumin, which has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell. + Uses - Culinary uses India, a significant producer of turmeric, has regional names based on language and country. Curry of fresh turmeric, referred to as "Haldi ki Sabji", is a dish from Rajasthan (India). Turmeric grows wild in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the key ingredients in many Asian dishes. Indian traditional medicine, called Siddha, has recommended turmeric for medicine. Its use as a coloring agent is not of primary value in South Asian cuisine. Turmeric is mostly used in savory dishes, but is used in some sweet dishes, such as the cake sfouf. In India, turmeric plant leaf is used to prepare special sweet dishes, patoleo, by layering rice flour and coconut-jaggery mixture on the leaf, then closing and steaming it in a special copper steamer (goa). In recipes outside South Asia, turmeric is sometimes used as an agent to impart a rich, custard-like yellow color. It is used in canned beverages, baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Most turmeric is used in the form of rhizome powder; in some regions (especially in Maharashtra, Goa, Konkan and Kanara), turmeric leaves are used to wrap and cook food. Turmeric leaves are mainly used in this way in areas where turmeric is grown locally, since the leaves used are freshly picked. Turmeric leaves impart a distinctive flavor. Although typically used in its dried, powdered form, turmeric is also used fresh, like ginger. It has numerous uses in Far Eastern recipes, such as pickle that contains large chunks of soft turmeric, made from fresh turmeric. Turmeric is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Many Persiandishes use turmeric as a starter ingredient. Almost all Iranian khoresh dishes are started using onions caramelized in oil and turmeric, followed by other ingredients. In India and Nepal, turmeric is widely grown and extensively used in many vegetable and meat dishes for its color, and is also used for its supposed value in traditional medicine. In South Africa, turmeric is used to give boiled white rice a golden colour. In Vietnamese cuisine, turmeric powder is used to color and enhance the flavors of certain dishes, such as bánh xèo, bánh khọt, and mi quang. The powder is also used in many other Vietnamese stir-fried and soup dishes. The staple Cambodian curry paste kroeung, used in many dishes including amok, typically contains fresh turmeric. In Indonesia, turmeric leaves are used for Minangese or Padangese curry base of Sumatra, such as rendang, sate padang, and many other varieties. In Thailand, fresh turmeric rhizomes are widely used in many dishes, in particular in the southern Thai cuisine, such as the yellow curry and turmeric soup. In medieval Europe, turmeric became known as Indian saffron because it was widely used as an alternative to the far more expensive saffron spice. - Folk medicine and traditional uses In India, turmeric has been used as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores, basically for its supposed antimicrobial property. In the Siddh system (since around 1900 BCE), turmeric was a medicine for a range of diseases and conditions, including those of the skin, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems, aches, pains, wounds, sprains, and liver disorders. A fresh juice is commonly used in many skin conditions, including eczema, chicken pox, shingles, allergy, and scabies. The active compound curcumin is believed to have a wide range of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial, and antiviral activities, which indicate potential in clinical medicine. Source: Turmeric - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.9- Specie Curcuma petiolata Roxb. + Overview Curcuma 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 and Malaysia. + Description Average height 60-90 cm (2-3 feet). Flowers cone-shaped, golden-yellow, pink, white or purple. Blooms June-August. Fertile bracts green, coma bracts pinkish white. Leaves glossy with raised veins, 36 cm (14 inches) long, 13 cm (5 inches) wide. Petioles 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long. Source: Curcuma petiolata - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.11- Species Curcuma roscoeana Wall. + Overview Curcuma roscoeana (also known as Jewel of Burma, Orange Ginger, Orange Hidden Ginger, Pride of Burma or Burmese Hidden Lily) is a plant of the Zingiberaceaeor ginger family. It is native to Burma, India, Southeast Asia and Malaysia; its wild habitat is threatened. Average height 2-3 feet. Flowers сone-shaped, bright orange or yellow, 4-5 inches. Blooms summer, fall. Bracts peach-orange to dark read-orange. Leaves broadly ovate to elliptic, light green with darker veins, up to 12 inches long. + Uses It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers. It is one of the most popular curcumas. Source: Curcuma roscoeana - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.12- Species Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. - Temu lawak + Overview Curcuma zanthorrhiza or Curcuma xanthorrhiza known as Temulawak, Java ginger or Javanese ginger, is a plant species, belonging to the ginger family. It is known in Javanese as temulawak, in Sundanese as koneng gede and in Madurese as temu labak. The scientific name is sometimes written asCurcuma xanthorrhiza, but this is an orthographical variant. This plant originated from Indonesia, more specifically fromJava island, out of which it spread to several places in thebiogeographical region Malesia. Currently, most of the temu lawak is cultivated in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Outside of South East Asia, cultivars may be found also in China, Indochina, Barbados, India, Japan,Korea, the United States and some countries in Europe. + Uses Curcuma zanthorrhiza is used as a medicinal plant. The rhizome contains an ethereal oil (5ml per kg), it primarily consists of Sesquiterpenes. There is also a content of Curcumin (at least 1%, Ph. Eur.) and starch. Curcuma zanthorrhiza is used for dyspepsia. It is a spice too. According to one source it is an effective deterrent and pesticide of mushroom mites. Source: Curcuma zanthorrhiza- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2.13- Species Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe - Zedoary + Overview Curcuma zedoaria, zedoary, white turmeric or kentjur is the name for a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma, family Zingiberaceae. The plant is native to India and Indonesia but now naturalized in other places including the US State of Florida. It was introduced to Europe by Arabs around the sixth century, but its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger. Zedoary is a rhizome that grows in tropical and subtropical wet forest regions. The fragrant plant bears yellow flowers with red and green bracts and the underground stem section is large and tuberous with numerous branches. The leaf shoots of the zedoary are long and can reach 1 meter (3 feet) in height. + Uses - Food uses The edible root of zedoary has a white interior and a fragrance reminiscent of mango; however, its flavour is more similar to ginger, except with a very bitter aftertaste. In Indonesia, it is ground to a powder and added to curry pastes, whereas in India, it tends to be used fresh or in pickling. In Thai cuisine it is used raw and cut in thin strips in certain Thai salads. It can also be served cut into thin slices together with other herbs and vegetables with certain types of nam phrik (Thai chilli pastes). - Other uses The essential oil produced from the dried roots of Curcuma zedoaria is used in perfumery and soap fabrication, as well as an ingredient in bitter tonics. The curcuminoid1,7-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4,6-heptatrien-3-one, and the sesquiterpenes procurcumenol and epiprocurcumenol can be found in Curcuma zedoaria. Source: Curcuma zedoaria - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia