Curcuma singularis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Curcuma singularis, exhibits a specific geographical distribution centered within the Indo-China region. It can be found growing naturally across the diverse landscapes of Cambodia. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the tropical environments of Laos. The species is also documented to thrive throughout various parts of Thailand. Finally, its presence is well-established within the borders of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Curcuma singularis is characterized by its classification as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte. This biological strategy allows the plant to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, such as seasonal droughts or cold periods, by retreating into specialized underground storage organs. As a geophyte, its vital regenerative structures are located beneath the soil surface, typically in the form of rhizomes, which store essential nutrients and moisture to support new growth when conditions become favorable. This life cycle ensures perennial persistence, allowing the plant to emerge from its subterranean state to produce foliage and reproductive structures during the growing season before returning to a dormant state within the earth.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Curcuma singularis is characterized by a growth habit that is fundamentally terrestrial, as it functions as an independent organism rather than an epiphyte. In terms of its structural support and climbing capacity, the plant is classified as a self-supporting species, meaning it does not utilize any climbing mechanisms such as tendrils or twining stems to ascend, nor does it exhibit obligatory or facultative climbing behaviors. Furthermore, it maintains a completely independent lifecycle, showing no parasitic traits, as it is neither an obligatory nor a facultative parasite, relying instead on its own root system and rhizomatous structure for nutrient acquisition and stability within its terrestrial habitat.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Curcuma singularis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome.

Rhizome

1. Natural product research
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Curcuma singularis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Curcumol, Germacrone, ar-Turmerone.

Curcumol

1. Natural product research
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Germacrone

1. Natural product research
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

ar-Turmerone

1. Natural product research
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Curcuma singularis has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastric cancer, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis.

Gastric cancer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Kidney failure

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology