Curcuma phaeocaulis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found inhabiting both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its range extends into the Indo-China region, specifically within the country of Vietnam. Additionally, the species is documented in the Malesia region, specifically on the island of Jawa. Together, these locations highlight the diverse environmental niches occupied by the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Curcuma phaeocauilis is characterized by its specialized survival strategy as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This means that the plant manages its life cycle through underground storage organs, which allow it to endure unfavorable environmental conditions or seasonal changes by retreating into a dormant state. As a geophyte, its primary biological investment is directed into rhizomes located beneath the soil surface, which serve as the essential reservoir for nutrients and water. This life form enables the plant to re-emerge periodically, using its stored energy to support rapid vegetative growth and reproductive efforts when optimal conditions return.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Curcuma phaeocauulis is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, standing as a self-supporting plant without the need for climbing structures such as lianas or vines. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting neither parasitic nor epiphytic behaviors, and maintains a strictly terrestrial habitat rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. Its structure is entirely non-woody, lacking any lignified tissue, which is consistent with its herbaceous nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Curcuma phaeocaulis 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 root.

Root

1. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

Chemicals

Curcuma phaeocaulis has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Curcuminoids, curcumin, (5r)-1,7-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-methoxy-1-hepten-5-ol, Curcumenol, Demethoxycurcumin.

Curcuminoids

1. Planta medica
2. Biomolecules

curcumin

1. Planta medica
2. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

(5r)-1,7-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-methoxy-1-hepten-5-ol

1. Planta medica

Curcumenol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Demethoxycurcumin

1. Planta medica

Fatty acids

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Germacrone

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Isocurcumenol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

alpha-Spinasterol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

beta-sitosterin-3-O-glucoside

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Conditions

Curcuma phaeocaulis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer.

Cancer

1. Planta medica

Preparations

Curcuma phaeocaulis has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Ezhu, ethanolic extract, various extracts.

Ezhu

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Ethanolic extract

1. Planta medica

Various extracts

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin