Siam Tulip
Curcuma alismatifolia · Zingiberaceae
How it looks
It blooms with layered bracts resembling a small lotus or tulip, in shades of white, pink, and purple. As a rhizomatous perennial herb, long straight leaves rise from the base, and it is typically sold as a cut flower or potted plant in summer and fall.
No toxicity data available
Curcuma (Siam Tulip) is not listed in the ASPCA's toxic plants list for cats, and NC State Extension has no toxicity data for it either. With no confirmed evidence either way, we cannot call it safe — exercise caution if your cat has access to it.
Guide for parents
Curcuma has no official toxicity data, so it is hard to say for certain whether it is safe.
As a rhizome-propagated member of the ginger family, a potted plant means a cat that likes to dig could reach the rhizome itself — covering the soil with pebbles helps. If it arrives as a cut flower, keep florist-preservative vase water out of reach. The leaves are long and thin and easy to chew, so consult your vet if ingestion is suspected or vomiting/appetite loss appears.
Details
- Scientific name
- Curcuma alismatifolia
- Common name
- Siam Tulip
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Source
- No confirmed source — not listed by ASPCA or NC State Extension
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Zingiberaceae
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