Status:
valid
Authors:
K.Schum.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1904
Citation Micro:
Pflanzenr. , IV, 46: 412 (1904)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363219
Common Names
- Costus microcephalus
- Small-headed Costus
- Microcephalus Costus
Description
Costus microcephalus (also called Small-headed 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 small spiral inflorescence with a yellow bract and white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Costus microcephalus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural dye for fabrics. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Costus microcephalus is a white color and it has a faint scent. The seed is small and round and the seedlings are small and thin.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus microcephalus is a perennial herbaceous plant that can be propagated by division or cuttings. It prefers a moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is best to water the plant regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Where to Find Costus microcephalus
Costus microcephalus can be found in Central America and South America.
Costus microcephalus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus microcephalus?
Costus microcephalus
What is the common name of Costus microcephalus?
Small-headed Spiral Ginger
What is the natural habitat of Costus microcephalus?
Costus microcephalus is found in tropical rainforests of Central and South 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,