Turmeric
ExplorePlants
Turmeric
Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that comes from the root of a plant. It's used in cooking to add flavor and color to dishes. People have been using turmeric for a long time because it's tasty and can make food healthy.
Habitat: Tropical regions
Appearance
The Turmeric plant has large, broad, bright green leaves that emerge directly from the ground in a vibrant clump. Its flowers appear on a cone-shaped spike, displaying pale yellow blooms with striking pink or purple bracts, making it visually distinct.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderZingiberalesFamilyZingiberaceaeGenusCurcuma
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient civilizations in India and China used turmeric not just as food, but also in rituals.
If you rub a cut turmeric rhizome, it will stain your fingers a vibrant orange-yellow!
Its incredible yellow color has been used for dyeing fabrics for thousands of years.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, sharing many similar growth habits.
Special abilities
Ability
Underground Pantry
Turmeric grows a thick, orange underground stem called a rhizome that stores food and helps it survive dry seasons.
Ability
Leafy Umbrella
Its large, broad leaves effectively collect sunlight and can shade the soil, keeping it moist in warm climates.
Ability
Bract Beacon
Brightly colored pink or purple bracts on its flower spikes act like flags, guiding insects to its small, hidden flowers.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 60-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Helps spread pollen between flowers.
eaten by
Tobacco cutworm
Spodoptera litura
Larvae can feed on its leaves and rhizomes.
symbiotic with
Soil bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
Helps improve nutrient uptake for the roots.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Dye
This human use trait indicates species from which natural dyes can be extracted and used to color textiles, food, or other materials.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Also known as
CurcumaIndian Saffron
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Turmeric is safe to handle and eat in small amounts, but too much can upset your stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Turmeric?
60-100 cm
How wide does Turmeric spread?
30-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Turmeric?
2-4 cm
When does Turmeric bloom?
Summer
Is Turmeric edible?
Yes
Is Turmeric toxic?
None
What is Turmeric's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Turmeric pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
