Additional record of the Black Turmeric Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Zingiberales: Zingiberaceae) in Bhutan

Abstract

Curcuma caesia Roxb is a perennial, medicinal herb, which is native to northeastern India but can be found in other Asian countries like China, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The plant is used in traditional medicine for treating conditions like leucoderma, asthma, tumours, piles, bronchitis, and bruises. During recent floristic exploration, C. caesia was recorded from Orong Geog of Samdrup Jongkhar district (26.933117 N, 91.493064 E), Bhutan on 10 July 2021 at an elevation of 1,227 m. Identification and morphological description of C. caesia was done through Flora of Bhutan, India (manual) & other literature. The thriving plants were discovered in a warm broadleaved forest close to a settlement, sheltered from grazing and human activities. A detailed description, distribution, habitat information, conservation status, and photographic illustrations are available.