Curcumas have become increasingly popular both as cut flowers and as pot plants. The great diversity of Curcuma species (more than a hundred in the Asian region), the great variability in wild populations and the ease of vegetative propagation have led to a vast range of cultivars being produced.

These are named and sold by individual growers or nurseries but it is difficult, if not impossible, to find out what these cultivars look like; nor is there a single list of the available cultivars. We therefore encourage growers and nurseries to register their cultivar names.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens has taken on the role as the Registration Authority for Names of Curcuma Cultivars. (There are Registration Authorities for different plant groups. The best known in this part of the world is probably that for Orchids).

The Registration Authority has focused on the Thai cultivars as Thailand is not only a centre of diversity for wild Curcuma species but also has a thriving horticultural industry.

Included on this website is the current list of registered names and information about each cultivar, including colour photographs. The permanent record, the Standard Portfolio, is kept in the Singapore Herbarium. This list is by no means exhaustive and will be added to from time-to-time as more names are submitted for registration.