Curcuma

Common Names: Curcuma, Summer Tulip, Queen Lily, Siam Tulip

Botanical names: Curcuma, (ker-CUE-mah)

Availability: April through September

Vase life: 7 to 10 days

Storage temperatures: 55 - 70 degrees Fahrenheit

Ethylene Sensitive: Yes

Description: Vibrant, trumpet-shaped cluster of bracts at the top of a stem.

Color: Light pink. green, brown and white.

Botanical facts: Native to Southeast Asia, southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia.

Design notes: Curcuma provides a strong vertical line. The flower heads give a wonderful texture to a floral design.

Purchasing hints: Purchase flowers with turgid unblemished stems and flowers just beginning to open.

Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Cut stem ends with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.

Additional notes: Chill sensitive, chill sensitive store at 55F or above. Curcuma is a genus of plants in the family Zingiberaceae, the roots of which produce the dietary supplement turmeric.