This perennial herb has upright foliage and forms a clump with roots that are fleshy and the rhizome is aromatic and edible. It has oblong mid-green leaves that are sheathed at the base and the pale yellow tube-shaped flowers appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Curcuma domestica is naturally found in tropical Asia growing in well drained organic rich moist soils in a open sunny to semi shaded open position and is drought and frost tender.

Turmeric is a perennial that is commonly grown for its fleshy editable rhizome and is used as a saffron substitute. It is planted in herb or vegetable gardens or in pots and tubs. It establishes from division in one season and is grown commercially in farms to produce a die or as a spice. It is suitable for small gardens on the coast and inland. ID 1530

Note:
Though it is a tropical plant it will tolerate a warm temperate climate (zone 9). The rhizome is used in cooking for adding a hot flavour or colouring (curry) as in rice substituting the expensive saffron.

It is also used as a dye for clothing and taken internally as a stimulant or for disorders of blood. It may be applied externally for eye infections and bruising

Curcuma (KER-koo-muh) domestica (dom-MES-tic-ka)

Zingiberaceae	(ZIN-jee-ber-AY-see-ee)
Ginger Family