Quart Plant from Curcuma longa Tumeric. These perennial herb plants are very hard to find. A tropical rhizome plant perfect for pots, where the whole plant is used for food. Of course, the dried roots make tumeric powder and the leaves often used to wrap steamed fish. Even the beautiful flowers are eaten as a vegetable much like spicy lettuce. This is a tropical summer plant that loves humid heat. Best grown in full or indirect sun but will live in light shade. Will die back in temps under 45 degrees, but is hardy in zones 8-11.