La`au Kanahiku Kumamalua.....72nd Plant
`Olena, Turmeric
Curcuma domestica
The family of Gingers, Zingiberaceae, includes this
Polynesian introduction to Hawaii. It is less common today
mostly seen in low-land gardens, and sometimes wild in areas the
ancient people had under cultivation. The plant dies back
between December and April, so it's a great "calendar" plant.
Hawaiians used the yellow/orange root for dye, spice, and
medicine.
Kekahi La`au Aku NO
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