[2] It is known in Javanese as temulawak, in Sundanese as koneng gede (or big yellow) and in Madurese as temu labak.

This plant originated from Indonesia, more specifically from Java island, out of which it spread to several places in the biogeographical region Malesia.

[3] Outside of South East Asia, cultivars may be found also in China, Indochina, Barbados, India, Japan, Korea, the United States and some countries in Europe.

Curcuma zanthorrhiza flourishes up to 1500 m above sea level in a tropical climate.

[6] In Java, there is a drink made from the juice of Curcuma zanthorrhiza called sari temulawak.