Curcuma (/ˈkɜːrkjʊmə/)[3] is a genus of plants in the family Zingiberaceae that contains such species as turmeric and Siam tulip.

They are native to Southeast Asia, southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia.

[4] Some species are reportedly naturalized in other warm parts of the world such as tropical Africa, Central America, Florida, and various islands of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

Its lanceolate leaves are oblong or elliptical and are of a uniform green, and about 50cm long and 7 to 25 cm wide.

Turmeric is used to flavour or colour curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses; it may also be used as a substitute for saffron or other yellowish pigments.