Curcuma longa -- 'Olena, or turmeric
Curcuma longa -- 'Olena, or turmeric
Olena is a member of the Ginger family, and has colored bracts in the flower head, like many gingers. (Bracts are specialized leaves which are found in association with flowers and whose bright colors mimic petals.) Olena bracts are green-white and the true, short-lived flowers are yellow-white.
Leaves unfurl at the base and disappear for awhile during winter months while the plant is dormant. In spring, flower heads emerge, often before the leaves.
'Olena root, which is golden orange, was the source of an excellent dye for kapa. The crushed root extract was dropped into ears for earache treatment. The cooked rhizome was used as a Tuberculosis treatment. Mixed with sea water, an extract of 'olena was sprinkled in purification rites. Photos by Priscilla Millen.
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