Edited by CEP, Solabia Group, 29, rue Delizy, 93698 Pantin Cedex Tel.: (+33) 1 48 10 19 40 Fax: (+33) 1 48 91 18 77 Publication Manager: Jean François Molina Editorial Committee: Patricia Houy and Carine Lebeau Photo credits NC

- Reproduction prohibited -

- J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® Sa f f r o n o f Ocean ia

INTERVIEW LOUISA PIULA, Rea Grower On the road to discovering Rea Tahiti and its customs, we met Louisa, a Tahitian woman who, for a long time, has supplied us with Curcuma longa rhizomes.

PB: Louisa, can you tell us briefly about what you do?

LP: I am what is known as a part-time farmer, i.e. I have verbal agreements with the Island land owners who allow me to work their land and sell my agricultural produce. To do this, I have a stand at Papeete market, where I work only in the morning. I sell Rea there in 400-g sachets along with "meia" bananas – either short ("Rima-rima") or long ("hamoa"), papayas and hats made by a member of my family.

PB: Must you take certain precautions when growing Rea? Is a particular expertiseinvolved?

LP: Yes and no! Rea grows naturally, more or less all over the island, in humid areas close to the rivers. There is no actual plantation as such. Rea roots grow without any help from mankind. But you have to pick the right time to harvest Rea, usually when the plant is rather tall with long leaves.

PB: Is it true that the Taravao plateau is a highly productive part of the island in terms of Rea?

LP: Yes, undoubtedly! The region has very fertile, clay soil! Orange, grapefruit and papaya trees as well as tiaré are also grown in this region.

PB: How much Rea do you harvest each year?

LP: Not far short of a tonne per year.

PB: That’s incredible, but what do the Polynesians do with it, apart from cooking?

You want one of grandmother’s secrets! Grate the Rea root and grind it with a penu ("traditional pestle shaped from stone"), then place the pieces in a cloth to extract the juice by applying simple pressure. Add this orangey yellow juice to monoi to promote tanning and to give a superb colour to your skin. It’s my own special Monoi Rea recipe, but you can soak other flowers in it and enjoy their sophisticated, bewitching fragrances! (laughter)

We told you, Petit Botaniste® not only covers the southern seas – its passion for plants also takes you off in search of numerous cultural venues and the museums in particular. Come and visit the Museum of African and Oceanic Arts. This museum has several collections covering Northern Africa arts and those of Oceania. The room devoted to Polynesia can be found on the ground floor of the museum. This refurbished room also displays a few Polynesian objects *Tapas are produced from the bark of the blackberry bush (ute- Broussoneta papyrifera) to produce white substances, and from young bread trees (tumu mei - Artocarpus altilis) or banana trees (aoa -Ficus prolixa) for brownish-red substances. The process involves removing the bark and then scraping it out to leave only its inner part. After softening in water, the barks are beaten with carpet beaters made from hard wood such as beefwood (toa - Casuarina equisetifolia).

brought back by the major French navigators of the XIXth century: statues of gods or ancestors, feather finery, jade or shell jewellery and tapa*... The Kannibals and Vahinés (cannibals and Tahitian women) – Imagery of the southern seas is being held from the 4 October to 18 February, and Petit Botaniste® went along. Here is an image that immerses us in this enchanting world of Polynesian women ˝who readily satisfied western fantasies in the guise of a new Eve and gardens of gentleness and bliss˝. Museum of African and Oceanic Arts, 293, avenue Daumesnil 75012 Paris Open daily, 10.00-17.30 (except Tuesday).

They are then folded in several layers and beaten several times until a more or less fine substance is obtained. Traditionally, the substances were rarely decorated, but were generally impregnated with a yellow ink from the eka (Curcuma longa). Nowadays, the tapas are used to enhance various decorations inspired by patterns used in sculpture or for tattoos.

e all talk more and more about biodiversity and on-going development, not to mention

ethnobotanical matters. The question that any consumer can nowadays ask, as he/she looks at the various publicity campaigns emerging here and there, is how long will this preoccupation for nature and her key players actually last?

Is this another "marketing epiphenomenon", a marked socio-ecological trend taken to the extreme or rather collective world-wide awareness? Time will tell, but it’s an undisputed fact:

Ethnobotanics must not be a means of convincing public opinion of our faith and reverence for Mother Nature!

It must be a slow, gradual step, the aim of which is quite simply to reforge links with our traditions not to forget who we are and where we come from. It is obvious that this new way of looking at the world feeds an existential objective, namely that of protecting our natural ecosystems, which guarantee our steady-state, not to mention our future! This craving for plants, this emergence of new trends based on criteria of authenticity and well being – isn’t it the indirect expression of a desire to perpetuate the species and traditions?

"Lastly, you would ask us, in terms of your ethnobotanical approach, what gives you the incentive to study such and such plant? In what way could this plant help us to advance in our quest for total harmony between man and Nature?" Perhaps you’ll find some of the answers in this latest version of Petit Botaniste®, which is devoted to Curcuma longa, this well-travelled plant from Asia – a plant that a long time ago, had to acclimatise itself to the fertile soils of the Island of Love where it was finally baptised Rea Tahiti or Saffron of Oceania …

W

E t h n o b o t a n i c a l J o u r n a l e d i t e d b y t h e S o l a b i a G r o u p – N o . 3 7 – J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2

Editorial

GGuuiiddeedd TToouurr

Reforging Links with Tradition To Preserve the Future…

- J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2 - - J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® Sa f f r o n o f Ocean ia L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® Sa f f r o n o f O c ean ia

mong the exotic riches lying hidden in the soil of the Polynesian islands, there is

one multi-purpose spice possessing numerous properties, which Petit Botaniste® was surprised to discover in this land of Paradise, and delighted to discover for some time the intense aroma we left behind when we left the Spice Trail. On the advice of the Tahitian women, Petit Botaniste® set off for the Island of Tahiti, the appropriately named "Island of Love", impatient to make the acquaintance of this plant renowned for its use in many traditional Polynesian remedies… On Ta r avao P l a t e au The Curcuma longa, better known in the local language as Rea Tahiti, grows in the upper regions of the Taravao Plateau – the junction between two volcanic masses that form the Island of Tahiti.

The fact that Curcuma longa is found in Polynesia is due to the people of Oceania (South-Eastern Asia). In fact, it is highly likely that the plant was introduced into these far-off islands during the sea journeys made by these people as they searched for new lands in which to settle. Subjected to a new climate, the plant developed defences suitable to this windy, sun-drenched environment, and is nowadays an endemic species to French Polynesia. Growing spontaneously in coral soil, it is also an item of culture for the Tahitians, who alone cover the world’s curcuma requirements!

Sa f f ron o f Ocean i a A member of the Zingiberaceae group, Curcuma longa is a close relative of ginger. Also known in Polynesia as the Saffron of Oceania or Tahitian ginger, the curcuma is a herbaceous, non-branching plant that can sometimes grow to a height of 1 m. Its shiny green leaves are oblong and sheathed. The floral stem emerges from the centre of the leaves and bears a cylindrical inflorescence, covered with green bracts and comprising white or yellow flowers. Like many of its fellow plants, the curcuma is first and foremost sought for its rhizome (underground stem). Characteristic, this forms extended tubercles that are 15 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. They have a superb orange colour and release a light, peppery odour, reminiscent of orange and ginger peel. It is precisely because of this intense colour that the plant was first used thousands of years ago… A go lden rh i zome In Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, the curcuma rhizome has long since been used for its tinctorial properties. These are due to the presence of a yellow pigment in the tubercles - curcumin. These dyes were used not only for clothing, but also for the skin during ancestral rituals. The preparation of the tincture was a privilege reserved only for the older members of a family. This procedure possessed almost magical qualities and was carried out away from the villages, right in the heart of the forest. The older people grated the fresh curcuma roots, which were then soaked in cocoa oil containing aromatic herbs. Once the oil contained a sufficient quantity of the dyestuff, it was filtered

and the tincture thus obtained had a magnificent yellow colour. An essential pre-requisite during Pagan ceremonies, this dye was placed all over the body by young people. They also found it difficult to remove afterwards because soap was unknown to them. These colouring properties are nowadays put to good use in the area of food additives, curcumin being used in a large number of foods where yellow colouring is needed. Curcuma and cu i s i n e Widely used to colour rice dishes, curcuma is also a condiment in its own right. It is mainly renowned for its use in curry, a mixture of several spices (pepper, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom, capsicum, cumin, macis, curry), which is widely consumed in Asia.

In Polynesia, on the other hand, local curry just has the single flavour of curcuma. And several typical dishes are accentuated with this golden spice. Here are a few mouth-watering examples: Prawn curry with cocoa milk, Mahi-Mahi tournedos (bream) with Rea Tahiti, stuffed seafood with Rea Tahiti… Honora ry member o f Raau Tah i t i Rea Tahiti is an integral part of the wide range of natural Polynesian remedies. The Marquesians were the first to apply these and continue to smear their bodies with curcuma root sap to protect themselves against mosquito bites when they work in the vanilla plants. Numerous traditional remedies are listed in Tahiti, illustrating the antiseptic, purifying ant toning properties of curcuma. Whether used to treat blennorrhagia ("Raau opi"), leucorrhoea ("Raau hea") or diabetes ("Raau omaha tihota"), Rea Tahiti is generally grated before use. Its juice is then extracted and mixed with coco milk or combined with other plants. Modern medicine has recently focused much on the therapeutic properties of the curcuma rhizome. Initial results, however, confirm the traditional uses of this plant be it in Tahiti or its countries of origin, in India and, more extensively in Asia (see picture). Some of the most important properties include its protective effect on liver cells by stimulating gastric and bile secretions, which protects the mucosa and reduces gastric acidity. It is also an anti-coagulant and blood thinner. The plant is reputed for its anti-histamine properties on the skin.

A rh i zome r i ch i n cu r cum ino id s A key component since these are responsible for the radiant colour of the curcuma, curcuminoids are also thought to be responsible for the numerous properties of curcuma. This family, the common denominator of which is the fact that it is composed of two phenol groups, is represented within Rea Tahiti by three compounds: curcumin, monodemethoxycurumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The rhizome also contains an essential oil mainly comprising sesquiterpenes, sugars and polysaccharides.

An a l l y a g a i n s t t he s un In Tahiti, Rea is used in the composition of a specific Monoi – Monoi Rea – comprising traditional Monoi (Tiaré flowers soaked in cocoa oil) in which ground curcuma rhizomes are left to soak. This product is used especially in sun protection. And that’s hardly surprising considering the phytochemistry of the rhizome! In fact, curcumin possesses recognised anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidising properties (up to five times more potent than those of vitamin E).

ACommon

Polynesian names Tahiti: Rea Raivavae: Regea Northern Marquesas: EkaSouthern Marquesas: Ena Rurutu: Terea Tuamotu: Talea Samoa: Ago

Curcuma longa throughout the world…

IN CHINA…

Traditional Chinese medicine uses the Curcuma longa to stimulate the blood circulation and to alleviate bruises and clots. It is also a traditional remedy against jaundice, which also refers to the Theory of Signatures.

IN THAILAND…

Curcuma is used as a poisonantidote against cobra bites. IN INDIA…

Ayurvedic medicine recognises Curcuma longa for its digestive, emollient and diuretic properties. Externally, it is recommended in the management of colds, joint pain, pruritus and other forms of dermatoses. It is also used to prepare a paste, which is applied to the face as a beauty mask. A tinctorial plant that has been widely acclaimed in the East for thousands of years, curcuma is used to dye the full robes of Buddha monks "saffron" yellow. As in Polynesia, curcuma possesses almost magical qualities. Its radiant colour brings good luck: it is placed on the forehead of newborn infants and rubbed along the edges of wedding saris.

Originating from Asia, where it is known as Indian Saffron, curcuma is widely used for its tinctorial, aromatic and medicinal properties. Here is a brief summary of its many applications …

- J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2 - - J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® Sa f f r o n o f Ocean ia L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® Sa f f r o n o f O c ean ia

mong the exotic riches lying hidden in the soil of the Polynesian islands, there is

one multi-purpose spice possessing numerous properties, which Petit Botaniste® was surprised to discover in this land of Paradise, and delighted to discover for some time the intense aroma we left behind when we left the Spice Trail. On the advice of the Tahitian women, Petit Botaniste® set off for the Island of Tahiti, the appropriately named "Island of Love", impatient to make the acquaintance of this plant renowned for its use in many traditional Polynesian remedies… On Ta r avao P l a t e au The Curcuma longa, better known in the local language as Rea Tahiti, grows in the upper regions of the Taravao Plateau – the junction between two volcanic masses that form the Island of Tahiti.

The fact that Curcuma longa is found in Polynesia is due to the people of Oceania (South-Eastern Asia). In fact, it is highly likely that the plant was introduced into these far-off islands during the sea journeys made by these people as they searched for new lands in which to settle. Subjected to a new climate, the plant developed defences suitable to this windy, sun-drenched environment, and is nowadays an endemic species to French Polynesia. Growing spontaneously in coral soil, it is also an item of culture for the Tahitians, who alone cover the world’s curcuma requirements!

Sa f f ron o f Ocean i a A member of the Zingiberaceae group, Curcuma longa is a close relative of ginger. Also known in Polynesia as the Saffron of Oceania or Tahitian ginger, the curcuma is a herbaceous, non-branching plant that can sometimes grow to a height of 1 m. Its shiny green leaves are oblong and sheathed. The floral stem emerges from the centre of the leaves and bears a cylindrical inflorescence, covered with green bracts and comprising white or yellow flowers. Like many of its fellow plants, the curcuma is first and foremost sought for its rhizome (underground stem). Characteristic, this forms extended tubercles that are 15 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. They have a superb orange colour and release a light, peppery odour, reminiscent of orange and ginger peel. It is precisely because of this intense colour that the plant was first used thousands of years ago… A go lden rh i zome In Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, the curcuma rhizome has long since been used for its tinctorial properties. These are due to the presence of a yellow pigment in the tubercles - curcumin. These dyes were used not only for clothing, but also for the skin during ancestral rituals. The preparation of the tincture was a privilege reserved only for the older members of a family. This procedure possessed almost magical qualities and was carried out away from the villages, right in the heart of the forest. The older people grated the fresh curcuma roots, which were then soaked in cocoa oil containing aromatic herbs. Once the oil contained a sufficient quantity of the dyestuff, it was filtered

and the tincture thus obtained had a magnificent yellow colour. An essential pre-requisite during Pagan ceremonies, this dye was placed all over the body by young people. They also found it difficult to remove afterwards because soap was unknown to them. These colouring properties are nowadays put to good use in the area of food additives, curcumin being used in a large number of foods where yellow colouring is needed. Curcuma and cu i s i n e Widely used to colour rice dishes, curcuma is also a condiment in its own right. It is mainly renowned for its use in curry, a mixture of several spices (pepper, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom, capsicum, cumin, macis, curry), which is widely consumed in Asia.

In Polynesia, on the other hand, local curry just has the single flavour of curcuma. And several typical dishes are accentuated with this golden spice. Here are a few mouth-watering examples: Prawn curry with cocoa milk, Mahi-Mahi tournedos (bream) with Rea Tahiti, stuffed seafood with Rea Tahiti… Honora ry member o f Raau Tah i t i Rea Tahiti is an integral part of the wide range of natural Polynesian remedies. The Marquesians were the first to apply these and continue to smear their bodies with curcuma root sap to protect themselves against mosquito bites when they work in the vanilla plants. Numerous traditional remedies are listed in Tahiti, illustrating the antiseptic, purifying ant toning properties of curcuma. Whether used to treat blennorrhagia ("Raau opi"), leucorrhoea ("Raau hea") or diabetes ("Raau omaha tihota"), Rea Tahiti is generally grated before use. Its juice is then extracted and mixed with coco milk or combined with other plants. Modern medicine has recently focused much on the therapeutic properties of the curcuma rhizome. Initial results, however, confirm the traditional uses of this plant be it in Tahiti or its countries of origin, in India and, more extensively in Asia (see picture). Some of the most important properties include its protective effect on liver cells by stimulating gastric and bile secretions, which protects the mucosa and reduces gastric acidity. It is also an anti-coagulant and blood thinner. The plant is reputed for its anti-histamine properties on the skin.

A rh i zome r i ch i n cu r cum ino id s A key component since these are responsible for the radiant colour of the curcuma, curcuminoids are also thought to be responsible for the numerous properties of curcuma. This family, the common denominator of which is the fact that it is composed of two phenol groups, is represented within Rea Tahiti by three compounds: curcumin, monodemethoxycurumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The rhizome also contains an essential oil mainly comprising sesquiterpenes, sugars and polysaccharides.

An a l l y a g a i n s t t he s un In Tahiti, Rea is used in the composition of a specific Monoi – Monoi Rea – comprising traditional Monoi (Tiaré flowers soaked in cocoa oil) in which ground curcuma rhizomes are left to soak. This product is used especially in sun protection. And that’s hardly surprising considering the phytochemistry of the rhizome! In fact, curcumin possesses recognised anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidising properties (up to five times more potent than those of vitamin E).

ACommon

Polynesian names Tahiti: Rea Raivavae: Regea Northern Marquesas: EkaSouthern Marquesas: Ena Rurutu: Terea Tuamotu: Talea Samoa: Ago

Curcuma longa throughout the world…

IN CHINA…

Traditional Chinese medicine uses the Curcuma longa to stimulate the blood circulation and to alleviate bruises and clots. It is also a traditional remedy against jaundice, which also refers to the Theory of Signatures.

IN THAILAND…

Curcuma is used as a poisonantidote against cobra bites. IN INDIA…

Ayurvedic medicine recognises Curcuma longa for its digestive, emollient and diuretic properties. Externally, it is recommended in the management of colds, joint pain, pruritus and other forms of dermatoses. It is also used to prepare a paste, which is applied to the face as a beauty mask. A tinctorial plant that has been widely acclaimed in the East for thousands of years, curcuma is used to dye the full robes of Buddha monks "saffron" yellow. As in Polynesia, curcuma possesses almost magical qualities. Its radiant colour brings good luck: it is placed on the forehead of newborn infants and rubbed along the edges of wedding saris.

Originating from Asia, where it is known as Indian Saffron, curcuma is widely used for its tinctorial, aromatic and medicinal properties. Here is a brief summary of its many applications …

Edited by CEP, Solabia Group, 29, rue Delizy, 93698 Pantin Cedex Tel.: (+33) 1 48 10 19 40 Fax: (+33) 1 48 91 18 77 Publication Manager: Jean François Molina Editorial Committee: Patricia Houy and Carine Lebeau Photo credits NC

- Reproduction prohibited -

- J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2 -

L e Pe t i t Bo tan is te ® Sa f f r o n o f Ocean ia

INTERVIEW LOUISA PIULA, Rea Grower On the road to discovering Rea Tahiti and its customs, we met Louisa, a Tahitian woman who, for a long time, has supplied us with Curcuma longa rhizomes.

PB: Louisa, can you tell us briefly about what you do?

LP: I am what is known as a part-time farmer, i.e. I have verbal agreements with the Island land owners who allow me to work their land and sell my agricultural produce. To do this, I have a stand at Papeete market, where I work only in the morning. I sell Rea there in 400-g sachets along with "meia" bananas – either short ("Rima-rima") or long ("hamoa"), papayas and hats made by a member of my family.

PB: Must you take certain precautions when growing Rea? Is a particular expertiseinvolved?

LP: Yes and no! Rea grows naturally, more or less all over the island, in humid areas close to the rivers. There is no actual plantation as such. Rea roots grow without any help from mankind. But you have to pick the right time to harvest Rea, usually when the plant is rather tall with long leaves.

PB: Is it true that the Taravao plateau is a highly productive part of the island in terms of Rea?

LP: Yes, undoubtedly! The region has very fertile, clay soil! Orange, grapefruit and papaya trees as well as tiaré are also grown in this region.

PB: How much Rea do you harvest each year?

LP: Not far short of a tonne per year.

PB: That’s incredible, but what do the Polynesians do with it, apart from cooking?

You want one of grandmother’s secrets! Grate the Rea root and grind it with a penu ("traditional pestle shaped from stone"), then place the pieces in a cloth to extract the juice by applying simple pressure. Add this orangey yellow juice to monoi to promote tanning and to give a superb colour to your skin. It’s my own special Monoi Rea recipe, but you can soak other flowers in it and enjoy their sophisticated, bewitching fragrances! (laughter)

We told you, Petit Botaniste® not only covers the southern seas – its passion for plants also takes you off in search of numerous cultural venues and the museums in particular. Come and visit the Museum of African and Oceanic Arts. This museum has several collections covering Northern Africa arts and those of Oceania. The room devoted to Polynesia can be found on the ground floor of the museum. This refurbished room also displays a few Polynesian objects *Tapas are produced from the bark of the blackberry bush (ute- Broussoneta papyrifera) to produce white substances, and from young bread trees (tumu mei - Artocarpus altilis) or banana trees (aoa -Ficus prolixa) for brownish-red substances. The process involves removing the bark and then scraping it out to leave only its inner part. After softening in water, the barks are beaten with carpet beaters made from hard wood such as beefwood (toa - Casuarina equisetifolia).

brought back by the major French navigators of the XIXth century: statues of gods or ancestors, feather finery, jade or shell jewellery and tapa*... The Kannibals and Vahinés (cannibals and Tahitian women) – Imagery of the southern seas is being held from the 4 October to 18 February, and Petit Botaniste® went along. Here is an image that immerses us in this enchanting world of Polynesian women ˝who readily satisfied western fantasies in the guise of a new Eve and gardens of gentleness and bliss˝. Museum of African and Oceanic Arts, 293, avenue Daumesnil 75012 Paris Open daily, 10.00-17.30 (except Tuesday).

They are then folded in several layers and beaten several times until a more or less fine substance is obtained. Traditionally, the substances were rarely decorated, but were generally impregnated with a yellow ink from the eka (Curcuma longa). Nowadays, the tapas are used to enhance various decorations inspired by patterns used in sculpture or for tattoos.

e all talk more and more about biodiversity and on-going development, not to mention

ethnobotanical matters. The question that any consumer can nowadays ask, as he/she looks at the various publicity campaigns emerging here and there, is how long will this preoccupation for nature and her key players actually last?

Is this another "marketing epiphenomenon", a marked socio-ecological trend taken to the extreme or rather collective world-wide awareness? Time will tell, but it’s an undisputed fact:

Ethnobotanics must not be a means of convincing public opinion of our faith and reverence for Mother Nature!

It must be a slow, gradual step, the aim of which is quite simply to reforge links with our traditions not to forget who we are and where we come from. It is obvious that this new way of looking at the world feeds an existential objective, namely that of protecting our natural ecosystems, which guarantee our steady-state, not to mention our future! This craving for plants, this emergence of new trends based on criteria of authenticity and well being – isn’t it the indirect expression of a desire to perpetuate the species and traditions?

"Lastly, you would ask us, in terms of your ethnobotanical approach, what gives you the incentive to study such and such plant? In what way could this plant help us to advance in our quest for total harmony between man and Nature?" Perhaps you’ll find some of the answers in this latest version of Petit Botaniste®, which is devoted to Curcuma longa, this well-travelled plant from Asia – a plant that a long time ago, had to acclimatise itself to the fertile soils of the Island of Love where it was finally baptised Rea Tahiti or Saffron of Oceania …

W

E t h n o b o t a n i c a l J o u r n a l e d i t e d b y t h e S o l a b i a G r o u p – N o . 3 7 – J a n . / F e b . 2 0 0 2

Editorial

GGuuiiddeedd TToouurr

Reforging Links with Tradition To Preserve the Future…