Cape York Lilly in flower.

Curcuma australasica, the native turmeric or Cape York lily. What a stunning plant. Very similar to regular turmeric in appearance with the exception of a beautiful pink stripe down the centre of the leaf. Can be used in much the same way as normal turmeric (if you can bring yourself to dig up this gorgeous plant). Prefers moist well drained soil high in organic matter. Requires regular water during growth phase (spring/summer) but enters dormancy during winter. Having said that we’ve seen it growing in dry rocky dirt up the Cape so perhaps lavish attention is not essential afterall.