1351.000 Curcuma L.

Herbs, tuberous; rhizomes branched, fleshy, aromatic. Leaves basal; lamina broadly lanceolate or oblong, rarely linear. Inflorescence terminal spike on pseudostems or separate shoots; peduncle erect; bracts connate halfway and forming pouches, apices free each subtending 2-7-flowered cincinnus; apical bracts often differently coloured, large; bracteoles free at base. Calyx short tubular, split on one side; corolla funnelform, lobes ovate or oblong, sub-equal or central lobe larger. Fruit capsules, 3-valved, dehiscent.

Worldwide: Species 91 in tropical and sub-tropical Asia to northern Australia.

Zimbabwe: 1 cultivated taxon.