Comments:  Curcuma longa or Common Tumeric or Cucurma or  Curcumin or Geekowrtel or Gelbwurz haldi ir Indian saffron or Huldi or Safrandes Indes or koenir or koenjit or kurkuma or Kunyit or Tumeric or Cucurma attenuata or Cucurma domestica is a herbal plant with a fast rhizomatous growth habit.  It is a native of India  In mid-Spring, Cucrma longa produces stalks of fragrant pale pink blossoms appear before the leaves do. It has large, light green smooth foliage.  Common Tumeric is easily propagated rom offsets or rhizome divisions.  Cucurma thrives best in well-drained, sandy, loamy, mildly acidic, neutral or mildly alkaline soil in a sunny to part shard or light shade location.  Indian Saffron is low maintenance.  Mass plant for a lovely effect in the shade landscape.  Cucurma longa spreads by means of its rhizomatous roots and soon forms a nice clump.  It is a very useful plant and is being cultivated by hobbyists for its ornamental value as well as a spice.  Cucurma domestic roots and foliage are highly sought after.  Tumeric roots are high in antioxidant and contains medicinal properties for treating various ailments including high blood pressure, asthma, high blood pressure, intestinal problems and is beneficial for the liver.  The fresh roots taste delicious when pickled.  Kunyit adds color and flavor to boiled rice and in cooking meat and fish dishes.  Cucurma longa leaves emit an aromatic flavor when used to wrap food.  Indian Saffron is one of the main ingredients present in curry powder.  The Japanese use tumeric to make a healthy herbal tea.    The Indians use Kunyit roots in marital and religious ceremonies.  As a dye, Cucurma attenuata adds a bright yellow color to Saris, commonly worn by Indian women.  Commercially produced Tumeric extract in capsule form is readily sold in stores as a food supplement and the dried powder spice can also be bought for kitchen use.     

USDA Zones:  7-10