growing plants will be restocked in mid to late May 2023
Curcuma supraneeana is now available again after a decade or so!! This beautiful Curcuma species was first noticed by the taxonomists at the Heliconia Society Internation meeting that was held in Singapore many years ago. It caused quite a stir and it was thought by some to be an entirely new genus. Ms. Supranee (a well known Thai ginger collector) brought these cut flowers to display and this species was soon published as Smithatris supraneanae in honor of both the famous ginger taxonomist Rosemary Smith and Ms. Supranee. Ironically this species like many others was well known as a cutflower in parts of Thailand and was used as offerings at Buddhist Temples. My first introduction to it came from Annop Ongasakul who sent a photo (yes kiddoes we actually used to send prints through the mail and wait 20 days to hear a response). Annop was held ahead of the rest of the world as he swore it was a Curcuma, just very unusual. He was right and a decade or two later it was officially reclassified as a Curcuma based on genetic analysis.
Curcuma supraneeana has an upright habit and looks more like a dwarf Canna.. except much better behaved in the garden and not attacked by leaf rollers! The white inflorescence is held above the foliage and makes for a beautiful display. This species has been used quite successfully in hybridizing efforts (‘Tiki Torch,’ and the Red, White, and Coral “Chaidee”s).
Grows from 2-3′ tall in medium to full sun. Hardy in USDA Zones 8 and above.