No images found for this plant ID: 13018.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "13018" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

zedoary

Scientific Name: Curcuma zedoaria

Family: Zingiberaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria)

Zedoary, also known as white turmeric, is an ancient spice with a fascinating history. This perennial herb is closely related to regular turmeric and ginger and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Considerations for Pets

  • Zedoary root is a rhizome with a thin brown skin and a bright orange, hard interior.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Curcuma zedoaria
  • Common Names: Zedoary, White Turmeric, Kentjur, E Zhu
  • Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)
  • Kingdom: Not specified in text.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Red Ginger, White Ginger, Curcuma aromatica

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to India and Indonesia.
  • Also found in the flat southern terrai forests of Nepal.
  • Grows in tropical and subtropical areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Zedoary is a perennial herb plant.
  • The root is a rhizome with a thin brown skin and a bright orange, hard interior.
  • Its smell is similar to that of turmeric and mango.

Traditional Uses

  • In Chinese medicine, it is considered bitter, spicy, and warm, and associated with the LIV (Liver) and SP (Spleen).
  • Used in "Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation".
  • Traditionally used as a stomach agent and to promote bile secretion.

Quirky Facts

  • Zedoary sounds like a word made up for Scrabble.
  • In past times, it was paired with Zerumbet.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mentioned in conjunction with a painting of "Zedoary, a climbing Plant and Mantises, Java".

Further Information

  • WebMD: Patient medical information for Zedoary.