Siam Tulip Secrets: What This Exotic Flower Really Says About You

The symbolic Siam tulip (Curcuma petiolate) goes by many names: some call it the queen lily or hidden lily, while others call it hidden cone ginger or the Jewel of Thailand. No matter what name you use, this stunning plant stands out in the landscape or when given as a gift. Native to tropical southeast Asia, these lovely plants are prized for their gorgeous flowers, lush foliage, and intriguing fragrance.

About Siam Tulips (Curcuma petiolata)

Siam tulips belong to the Curcuma genus, a group of plants that grow in tropical regions. The genus contains several notable species with edible rhizomes that can be dried, pounded, and used to make flavorful spices. For instance, C. longa is the source of turmeric, an ingredient in many curry blends.

Curcuma is a Zingaberaceae or ginger family member, which contains about 1,600 species across 50 or so genera. This family is well-known for its edible, aromatic plants, including ginger, cardamom, and galangal.

C. petiola grows from one to three feet tall. It has long, green leaves — much like canna lily foliage — that grow to 10 inches long and six inches wide.

In early summer, the Siam tulip blooms with six-inch-long inflorescences of yellow, pink, white, or purple flowers. The flowers are circled on top by purple bracts, with green bracts on the bottom.

The plants are native to Malaysia, Thailand, Java, and Laos. They’re grown in tropical and subtropical gardens all around the world.

C. petiolata is available in several varieties, such as:

• ‘Emperor,” which has variegated leaves edged with white
• ‘Garnet’, which has bright yellow blooms with red bracts
• ‘Jewel of Burma’ has warm, orange flowers
• ‘Jewel of Thailand’ blooms rise higher above the foliage

The Meaning of Siam Tulips

The Siam tulip belongs to the Curcuma genus, which is named after the Latin of the Arabic word for saffron, or kurkum. Many plants in this genus have aromatic, flavorful rhizomes that can be dried and ground to make spice.

The species name, petiola, is related to the Latin for foot, petiolus. “Petiole” refers to the stalk of the plant.

Members of the Curcuma family have long been prized in their native regions. In Southeast Asia and now around the globe, the plants’ flavorful rhizomes have many edible and medicinal uses. For instance, the Siam tulip’s relative, C. longa, is the source of the spice turmeric.

Turmeric has been a key component in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. This medical tradition uses turmeric for more than 100 health conditions, from healing wounds and skin conditions to easing congestion.

Roots are an essential source of saffron-yellow, a color that’s culturally significant. It’s used to dye clothing and thread for weddings and monks’ robes. In some areas, the color is linked to the deity Krishna.

The Symbolism of Siam Tulips

Siam tulips make a stunning addition to a floral gift. The colorful blooms and bracts rise high on solid stalks, creating a perfect centerpiece. Gifts of live plants are also an excellent choice for birthdays, congratulations, get-well gestures, and many other occasions.

In the language of flowers, Siam Tulips carry the following symbolic meanings: 

Elegance and Beauty: 

Siam Tulips are admired for their striking and exotic appearance. They symbolize elegance and beauty, often seen as ornamental plants in gardens and floral arrangements.

Exotic Charm: 

Siam Tulips are native to Thailand and Southeast Asia, and their unique and vibrant flowers carry an air of exotic charm. They are often associated with the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of these regions.

Passion and Desire: 

Siam Tulips’ vivid colors and alluring blooms can symbolize passion, desire, and intense emotions. They are sometimes associated with love and romance.

Transformation and Renewal: 

Siam Tulips emerge from underground rhizomes and grow into stunning flowers. This growth process symbolizes transformation and renewal, representing the beauty that can arise from hidden depths.

Spiritual Significance: 

In some cultures, Siam Tulips are believed to possess spiritual significance. They may be associated with purification, enlightenment, or spiritual growth.

Celebration and Festivity: 

Siam Tulips are often seen in festive occasions and celebrations, such as Thai festivals and traditional ceremonies. They can symbolize joy, happiness, and the spirit of celebration.

Uses and Benefits of Siam Tulips

While many of the Siam tulip’s relatives’ roots are edible, C. petiola itself isn’t used as a food source. However, the plants have potential medicinal applications.

Research indicates that chemical compounds in the plant’s roots have antioxidant properties. Curcuma roots may also be used to treat high-altitude sickness.

Beneficial pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and flies, are attracted to the brightly colored flowers. One study of more than 70 flower species found that the Siam tulip was among the top 15 plants visited by pollinators.

Creative Uses for Siam Tulips

Siam tulips are a show-stopper in the garden. The large foliage parts to reveal the brightly colored inflorescences held atop a strong stalk. At three feet tall, they’re an excellent choice for the mid-bed or border.

In containers, the Siam tulip can be the eye-catching showpiece in the center spot of a large pot. They look lovely with shorter foliage plants at the base to offset the striking flower spike.

Wrapping Up

Siam tulips add a flash of tropical splendor to the garden with their dramatic inflorescences and attractive foliage. Their stunning yellow and purple, pink, or white flowers and bracts make the Siam tulip a lovely addition to any floral gift or when given as a live plant.