Curcuma alismatifolia

Siam tulip

Curcumma alismatifolia, commonly known as Black Turmeric, is a remarkable medicinal plant prized in traditional Ayurvedic practices. Renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this unique rhizome offers diverse therapeutic benefits. It is widely utilized to support digestive health, enhance immunity, and promote overall holistic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Curcuma alismatifolia
  • Family: Zingiberaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Zingiberales and the family Zingiberaceae. Finally, its taxonomic position is defined by the genus Curcuma, specifically as the species Curcuma alismatiifolia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Zingiberales WCVP
Family Zingiberaceae WCVP
Genus Curcuma WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Curcuma alismatifolia, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Japan, it is referred to as クルクマ・シャローム, while in Malaysia, it is known as Tulip siam. In Thailand, the plant is called ปทุมมา, and in Vietnam, it is identified as Nghệ lá từ cô. Additionally, in Taiwan, it is commonly called 薑荷花.
Language Common Name Source
ja クルクマ・シャローム Wikidata
ms Tulip siam Wikidata
th ปทุมมา Wikidata
vi Nghệ lá từ cô Wikidata
zh-tw 薑荷花 Wikidata
arz كركم الايسماتيفوليا Wikidata
ml കുർകുമ അലിസ്മാറ്റിഫോളിയ Wikidata
zh 姜荷花 Wikidata
zh-cn 姜荷花 Wikidata
en Siam Tulip Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Curcuma alismatifolia, is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of the Indo-China region. Its natural geographical distribution spans across several distinct Southeast Asian countries. Specifically, it can be located in the lush environments of Cambodia and Laos. Furthermore, the species is well-established within the territories of Thailand and Vietnam. Together, these nations represent the core areas where this medicinal plant thrives.

Region Area Source
Indo-China Cambodia WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Chemicals

Curcuma alismatifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanin, anthocyanins, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
anthocyanin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthocyanins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆