Curcuma candida

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kaempferia candida

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Zingiberales, it is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. Finally, it is classified under the genus Curcuma.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions in Asia. In East Asia, its presence is noted within the South-Central regions of China. The species is also found across the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within Bangladesh. Furthermore, it extends into the Indo-China peninsula, covering parts of Cambodia and Myanmar. Finally, its geographical range includes the tropical landscapes of Thailand.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Curcuma candida is characterized by its existence as a geophyte, a life form that allows it to persist through unfavorable seasons by storing nutrients and moisture within specialized underground structures. As a perennial herb, its developmental cycle is centered around a fleshy, aromatic rhizome that serves as the primary organ for survival and vegetative propagation. During the favorable growing season, the plant emerges from the soil to produce lush, large, lanceolate leaves and eventually develops inflorescences that facilitate sexual reproduction. When environmental conditions become stressful, such as during periods of drought or extreme temperature shifts, the above-ground biomass undergoes senescence and withers away, leaving the plant in a state of dormancy. The life cycle then relies entirely on the protected rhizome to remain viable beneath the substrate until favorable moisture and temperature levels trigger a new cycle of vegetative growth and emergence.

Life form :

geophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Curcuma candida is characterized by its growth habit as a self-supporting plant, meaning it does not require external structures for physical support as it develops. It functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies toward other vegetation, and is strictly terrestrial in its ecological niche rather than being an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Curcuma candida has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Computational and structural biotechnology journal

Chemicals

Curcuma candida has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include FURFURAL, Humulene, Longiverbenone, Mustakone.

FURFURAL

1. Computational and structural biotechnology journal

Humulene

1. Computational and structural biotechnology journal

Longiverbenone

1. Computational and structural biotechnology journal

Mustakone

1. Computational and structural biotechnology journal

Preparations

Curcuma candida has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include vegetable.

Vegetable

1. Computational and structural biotechnology journal