Contents
Description
Curcuma Australasica, commonly known as the Australian native turmeric or the Queensland arrowroot, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the ginger family Zingiberaceae. The plant is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Northeastern Australia and Papua New Guinea. It can grow up to a height of 1.5 meters and produces tuberous rhizomes that are used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Curcuma |
Appearance
Curcuma Australasica has long, lance-shaped green leaves that grow up to a length of 60 cm and width of 15 cm. The flowers are cone-shaped and grow up to a length of 10 cm and width of 5 cm. The flowers have a yellow or white color with red or pink bracts. The plant produces tuberous rhizomes that are yellow in color and have a distinct aroma.
Care Guide
Curcuma Australasica requires moderate care and attention to grow and thrive. Here are some care tips to follow:
Water: The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the topsoil is dry.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Curcuma Australasica is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
Pests: The plant can be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Diseases: The plant is prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and root rot.
Habitat
Curcuma Australasica is native to the tropical rainforests of Northeastern Australia and Papua New Guinea. It grows well in warm and humid climates and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant grows well in partial shade or filtered sunlight and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Curcuma Australasica indoors?
A: Yes, you can grow Curcuma Australasica indoors in a well-lit area with partial shade.
Q: How often should I fertilize Curcuma Australasica?
A: You should fertilize Curcuma Australasica once every month during the growing season.
Q: How can I propagate Curcuma Australasica?
A: You can propagate Curcuma Australasica by dividing the tuberous rhizomes in spring.
Q: How long does it take for Curcuma Australasica to flower?
A: It takes Curcuma Australasica about 8-10 months to produce flowers.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Curcuma Australasica:
- Curcuma Longa
- Curcuma Zedoaria
- Curcuma Amada
- Curcuma Caesia
References
- “Curcuma Australasica.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). https://anpsa.org.au/c-aur.html
- “Curcuma Australasica.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:795875-1
- “Curcuma Australasica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c889
