Bark
The plant has an underground, tuberous rhizome with a dark brown to bluish-black outer surface and bluish interior.
Curcuma caesia
Syn. Curcuma kuchoor
IUCN Red List
Not Evaluated
(NE)
Local name
- Black Turmeric (English)
- Kali Haldi (Hindi)
Herb type
Evergreen
Deciduous
Family: Zingiberaceae
1.5m
Indicated uses
Medicinal
Edible
Ornamental
Avenue
Other
Flowering & fruiting
Flowering
Fruiting
Key characters
Leaves
The leaves have a deep violet-red patch which runs through the length of the lamina. Usually, the upper side of the leaf is rough, velvety, but this character may vary.
Flower
Flowering bracts are green with a ferruginous tinge. Flower petals may be deep pink or red in color. The rhizome is bitter, hot taste with pungent smell.
Fruit / Seeds
Fruit is a capsule containing seeds; fruits mature after flowering.
Did you know?
Despite being called “black” turmeric, a fresh cross-section of the rhizome reveals a vibrant, deep bluish-purple core. The color is naturally occurring and stems from a high concentration of anthocyanins (ranging from 1.3% to 7.14%).
Distribution
India to Bhutan and Bangladesh