Curcuma aromatica

Scientific name: Curcuma aromatica

English name: Wild turmeric Cochin turmeric

Malayalam name: Kasturimanjal

Location: Vellarakkad Thrissur

Conservation status: Threatened as per IUCN Red List

Habit: Perennial herb

Habitat: Terrestrial

Features: Monocotyledonous with pseudostem., Rhizome underground aromatic with orange-yellow inside., Inflorescence spike with purple crown and yellowish-green bracts., Flower brownish yellow color., Inflorescence usually appears from the rhizome before the leaves are produced.

Significance: Medicinal herb with antibiotic properties

Text and Illustration: Rashmi K. A.