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Turmeric
Curcuma longa
γ¦γ³γ³
A perennial in the ginger family, known in English as turmeric. Native to India and cultivated since antiquity. Curcumin in the rhizome is a major ingredient in curry powder and yellow dye, and has been used in traditional medicine including Ayurveda. In Japan, familiar in curry, Okinawan 'ucchin-cha', and hangover-prevention drinks.
Identification Points
- βOrange-yellow rhizome with vivid yellow cross-section
- βLarge elongated basal leaves
- βPale-yellow flowers with pink-to-white bracts
Habitat
Cultivated (tropical and subtropical)
Season
August to October (flowers); autumn to winter (rhizome harvest)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Growth form
Herb
Flower color
Yellow
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic Positionγ·γ§γ¦γ¬η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Zingiberales > Zingiberaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (from about 80 million years ago)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification