Siam Tulip (Curcuma alismatifolia)

This new plant recently introduced in many nurseries in India is Siam Tulip or scientifically known as Curcuma alismatifolia. The plant belongs to Haladi (Curcuma) family, i.e. Zingiberaceae. This plant has rhizomes like all other curcuma species. Rhizomes which remain dormant in winter to early summer start growing in late summer and start flowering in Monsoon. Inflorescence is borne on a tall stalk. They are also used in floral arrangements. The flowers are supposed to be edible, that is, they are cooked as vegetable. This plant is native to South Asia. The plant is easily propagated by division of rhizomes.