Zedoary
Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe
Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary , white turmeric, or temu putih) is a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma, family Zingiberaceae.
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ZedoaryZedoaryZedoaryOverview
Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary , white turmeric, or temu putih) is a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma, family Zingiberaceae. The plant is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia but is now naturalized in other places including the US state of Florida. Zedoary was one of the ancient food plants of the Austronesian peoples.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
They were spread during prehistoric times to the Pacific Islands and Madagascar during the Austronesian expansion (c. 3000 BCE). Its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger, and to a lesser extent, yellow turmeric.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productRhizome planting
One- to two-year-old **rhizomes** are cut into 2–3-bud setts, treated against rot and planted where drainage is good.
Sprouting
The rhizome roots down and shoots push through the soil; the plant begins photosynthesising and storing reserves.
Growth & flowering
In season the plant opens **pale pink-purple flowers, April–June**, adding colour and nectar for insects.
New rhizomes & harvest
After a full growing season the plant retreats to its storage organ; **rhizomes dug in winter after the foliage dies**.
Uses
- Its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger, and to a lesser extent, yellow turmeric.
Habitat & conservation
The plant is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia but is now naturalized in other places including the US state of Florida.
Conservation
Zedoary has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Curcuma zedoaria — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Curcuma zedoaria — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q206733 — Wikidata,