Status:
valid
Authors:
K.Schum.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1904
Citation Micro:
Pflanzenr. , IV, 46: 388 (1904)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363154
Common Names
- Costus lima
- Lima Ginger
- Ginger
Description
Costus lima (also called Lima Spiral Flag, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central America. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests and moist montane forests. It has a large spiral inflorescence with a yellow bract and yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Costus lima is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating skin diseases, fever, and stomach ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Costus lima var. lima
Costus lima var. scabrimarginatus Maas
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Costus lima has white flowers with yellow centers. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus lima is a tropical perennial that grows from a rhizome. It is native to Central and South America and is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11. It can be propagated from seed or division. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them in a warm, bright location. To propagate from division, carefully dig up the rhizome and divide it into sections. Replant the sections in a pot filled with moist potting mix.
Where to Find Costus lima
Costus lima can be found in the tropical regions of Central and South America.
Costus lima FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus lima?
Costus lima
What is the common name of Costus lima?
Lima Costus
What is the native range of Costus lima?
Tropical America
Species in the Costus genus
Costus acanthocephalus,
Costus acreanus,
Costus adolphi-friderici,
Costus afer,
Costus allenii,
Costus amazonicus,
Costus arabicus,
Costus asplundii,
Costus asteranthus,
Costus barbatus,
Costus beckii,
Costus bicolor,
Costus bracteatus,
Costus chartaceus,
Costus chrysocephalus,
Costus claviger,
Costus clemensae,
Costus comosus,
Costus cordatus,
Costus cupreifolius,
Costus curvibracteatus,
Costus dendrophilus,
Costus dinklagei,
Costus dirzoi,
Costus dubius,
Costus erythrocoryne,
Costus erythrophyllus,
Costus erythrothyrsus,
Costus fortalezae,
Costus gabonensis,
Costus geothyrsus,
Costus giganteus,
Costus glaucus,
Costus guanaiensis,
Costus juruanus,
Costus laevis,
Costus lasius,
Costus lateriflorus,
Costus ledermannii,
Costus leucanthus,
Costus ligularis,
Costus lima,
Costus longibracteolatus,
Costus lucanusianus,
Costus maboumiensis,
Costus macranthus,
Costus malortieanus,
Costus microcephalus,
Costus montanus,
Costus mosaicus,
Species in the Costaceae family
Chamaecostus congestiflorus,
Chamaecostus curcumoides,
Chamaecostus cuspidatus,
Chamaecostus fragilis,
Chamaecostus fusiformis,
Chamaecostus lanceolatus,
Chamaecostus subsessilis,
Chamaecostus acaulis,
Costus acanthocephalus,
Costus acreanus,
Costus adolphi-friderici,
Costus afer,
Costus allenii,
Costus amazonicus,
Costus arabicus,
Costus asplundii,
Costus asteranthus,
Costus barbatus,
Costus beckii,
Costus bicolor,
Costus bracteatus,
Costus chartaceus,
Costus chrysocephalus,
Costus claviger,
Costus clemensae,
Costus comosus,
Costus cordatus,
Costus cupreifolius,
Costus curvibracteatus,
Costus dendrophilus,
Costus dinklagei,
Costus dirzoi,
Costus dubius,
Costus erythrocoryne,
Costus erythrophyllus,
Costus erythrothyrsus,
Costus fortalezae,
Costus gabonensis,
Costus geothyrsus,
Costus giganteus,
Costus glaucus,
Costus guanaiensis,
Costus juruanus,
Costus laevis,
Costus lasius,
Costus lateriflorus,
Costus ledermannii,
Costus leucanthus,
Costus ligularis,
Costus lima,