1087

 Curcuma petiolata Roxb.

Family	:	Zingiberaceae
Local name	:	Jewel of Thailand
Flowering and fruiting period	:	June–August
Distribution	:	Thailand and Malesia
Endemic/Exotic	:	Exotic
Uses	:	The rhizomes are used in the treatment of anorexia, fever and colic.
Key botanical characters:   Herbaceous perennial plant producing a pseudostem up to 1 metre tall from a short rhizome that forms a compact mass. Each pseudostem comprises several leaves, the blades of which can be 15 - 65cm long and 6 - 30cm wide. Leaves glossy with raised veins, 14 inches long, 5 in wide. Flowers cone-shaped, golden-yellow, pink, white or purple. Blooms. Fertile bracts green, coma bracts pinkish white.