How to identify Common turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Common turmeric, also known as Tumeric
Common turmeric stands as a robust perennial herb registering a height of approximately 40 inches (about 100 cm). Characterized by its lustrous green leaves that arch outward, it is underpinned by thick, fleshy rhizomes which often exhibit a vivid yellow-orange hue. These rhizomes are distinctive, not just for their color but also their segmented appearance, somewhat resembling fingers. Additionally, the plant produces inflorescences that bear clusters of pale yellow flowers, adding to its recognizable features.
Robust perennial herb with lustrous green leaves and thick yellow-orange rhizomes resembling fingers.
Tubular white to yellowish-white flowers in spike-like inflorescences with pale green bracts and hairy bracteoles.
Anomaly in fruit production, propagates through rhizome divisions, no typical fruits or seeds.
Large lanceolate leaves, dark green above and pale green below, up to 40 inches (100 cm) long.
Stem with ellipsoidal primary tuber, bright orange color, cylindrical lateral rhizomes, and distinct branching pattern.
The leaves of common turmeric are large, dark green on the upper surface and pale green on the undersides. They are pleated, lanceolate to elliptical in shape, and can reach up to 40 inches (100 cm) in length. The leaf blades are thin, with a length of up to 70 cm (27.6 inches), densely studded with pellucid dots. The petioles are broadly furrowed with narrow erect wings along the margins, measuring up to 10 cm (3.9 inches) long.
Common turmeric features tubular flowers that are white to yellowish-white, each opening individually. These flowers bloom in spike-like inflorescences that are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, appearing between leaf sheaths from July to August. The flowers are set on pale green bracts with white streaks or margins, with upper bracts occasionally tinged pink. Bracteoles, small densely hairy structures, form pockets around the flowers, which are sterile and characteristic of common turmeric's blooming phase.
The stem of common turmeric is characterized by a fleshy, ellipsoidal primary tuber at the base of each aerial stem. It is encircled by rings formed by the bases of old scale leaves. New growth emerges as cylindrical lateral rhizomes, straight or slightly curved, about 2-5 cm (0.8-2 inches) in diameter, forming dense clusters with a pronounced branching pattern at approximate right angles. The stem exhibits a bright orange coloration, both internally and externally, with young tips appearing white.
The 'fruit' of common turmeric is a botanical anomaly as it does not produce fruits in the typical sense. The erroneous reference to seeds suggests a latent phase not discernible in common cultivation or natural growth. Any mentioned 'seed' attributes are inconsequential as common turmeric propagates through rhizome divisions rather than viable seeds, nullifying the usual characteristics such as shape, color, and texture relevant to most fruit descriptions.
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Scientific Classification of Common turmeric