> Dear all, > A simple field identification key for Curcuma with purple patches on leaves Three species showing this purple patches on leaves. *C. zanthorrhiza, C. aeruginosa *and *C. caesia.* 1. *Curcuma zanthorrhiza*: Rhizome colour is yellow to deep yellow, patch on both sides along the whole length of the midrib. 2. *Curcuma aeruginosa*: Rhizome colour blue in centre (or blue rings in the rhizome) verging towards grey, patch on the distal half on the upper side only. 3. *Curcuma caesia*: Rhizome colour is blue to dark blue, but densely pubescent on the upper part of the leaf.
> -- > *Prabhu Kumar K M* > Scientist Plant Systematics & Genetic Resources Division Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR) & 'CMPR' Herbarium Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal, Malappuram *E-mail: [email protected]*
