Turmeric is a flowering plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The roots are used in cooking and has huge medicinal value, as well. The plant is herbaceous, and perennial, is native to Indian subcontinent and SE Asia. Req temp 20 - 30 °C and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered each year for their rhizomes, for propagation in the season and for consumption.