 Curcuma australasica is a summer-blooming Curcuma with very showy pinkish-purple coma bracts, borne on long stems. In the USA it is often referred to as "Aussie Plume" but in its native Australia it is known as the "Cape York Turmeric". According to Earthcare Enterprises, the rhizomes are eaten roasted by Aboriginals.
The foliage is broad and tropical looking with pleated leaves. It grows to about 4-5 feet high in part sun and some sources say it can be grown in full sun. I have not tested its hardiness myself, but nearly all sources indicate it is zone 8 hardy. As with other Curcumas it will go dormant in the fall. I recommend growing this Curcuma in about 3-4 hours of direct sunlight, in moist but well drained organic soil.
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