Curcuma spike with purple-pink upper bracts and small yellow-and-white flowers among green lower bracts

Curcuma zedoaria (White Turmeric)

Native to the eastern Himalayas, Assam in India, and Bangladesh, this rhizomatous perennial herb forms clumps of upright leafy shoots. Its aromatic, fleshy underground stems are used as a source of starch and in perfumery. Young shoots and rhizome tips are eaten in Indonesia, while the leaves flavour food in India and Indonesia. Flower spikes arise separately from the rhizomes, with enlarged upper bracts and smaller flowers below. Long cultivated outside its native range, it has become naturalized in parts of tropical Asia and Trinidad and Tobago. Photographed in Quindio, Colombia.

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Spreading pink Curcuma bracts above green lower bracts

Pink-and-white Curcuma upper bracts above yellow-and-white flowers

Close view of a yellow-and-white Curcuma flower emerging from green bracts

Pink Curcuma upper bracts and small yellow flowers beside green bracts

Pink-and-white Curcuma bracts with small yellow flowers and long green leaves behind

Magenta Curcuma upper bracts with pale streaks and green bracts below

Bright pink Curcuma bracts against dark green foliage

Pale pink Curcuma upper bracts spreading above green lower bracts

Curled pink-and-white Curcuma bracts with a small yellow flower below