Historically, the black turmeric plant originated in Southeast Asia. It is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Black turmeric (Curcuma caesia) is also found in India, Bangladesh, China, and Nepal.

The soil used to grow black turmeric is a mixture of loose soil, compost, and manure. Turmeric can grow in tropical and subtropical areas ranging from 240–2,000 m above sea level (asl). Black turmeric has optimal growth at a growing temperature of 19–30 °C, rainfall: 1,000–4,000 mm/year, soil pH: 6–7, full sunlight exposure, and good drainage.

• The pseudostem is a collection of numerous leaflets that can be peeled off completely. The stem is between 33 and 55 cm long.

• The leaves of the black turmeric plant are oval and elongated with reddish edges. The leaves are mostly bright green, while the reverse side is pale green. The leaf stalks are ivory white and quite long.

• The flowers of the turmeric plant are white with a purple, downward-draping flower stalk.

• The rhizome of the black turmeric plant (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) is oblong and branched. This rhizome has dark brown skin and yellow to reddish orange flesh.

• Vegetative propagation by rhizomes

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