Curcuma australasica (NativeTurmeric)

Curcuma australasica, commonly known as Cape York Lily or Native Turmeric, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the Zingiberaceae family native to northern Australia, New Guinea, and the Maluku Islands. It grows naturally in wet tropical habitats and forms seasonal clumps of broad, prominently pleated green leaves arising from underground rhizomes. Upright inflorescences appear during the growing season, with overlapping green to pale bracts, often becoming pink or purplish toward the upper portion, and small yellow true flowers emerging between them. The foliage dies back seasonally, leaving the plant dormant as underground rhizomes until warm conditions stimulate new growth.

Curcuma australasica grows best in warm conditions, partial shade to bright filtered light, and fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture during active growth. Watering should be greatly reduced during dormancy. The species is well suited to tropical gardens and containers, and ornamental selections have been developed for particularly colorful and long-lasting floral bracts. Hardy in approximately USDA Zones 9-11, it benefits from winter protection and good drainage in the colder part of its range.