Detailed Description Tumeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. It is native to tropical South Asia. In spring it produces bright green ribbed leaves and a white flower spike sometimes flushed with pink. The rhizome can be grated in curries and is said to have beneficial medicinal properties. It has become the key ingredient for many Malay dishes, not only in curry, but also in masak lemak, rendang, and many more.