Status:
valid
Authors:
Ruiz & Pav.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1798
Citation Micro:
Fl. Peruv. 1: 2 (1798)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363570
Common Names
- Costus scaber
- Rough Spiral Flag
- Rough Costus
Synonyms
- Costus anachiri Jacq. [unknown]
- Costus ciliatus Miq. [unknown]
- Costus cylindricus anachiri Petersen [unknown]
- Costus cylindricus ciliatus Petersen [unknown]
- Costus nutans K.Schum. [unknown]
- Costus puchucupango J.F.Macbr. [unknown]
- Costus quintus Roem. & Schult. [unknown]
- Costus scaberulus Rich. [unknown]
- Costus tatei Rusby [unknown]
Description
Costus scaber (also called Rough Costus, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Costaceae family. It is an evergreen perennial up to 2 m tall, with spirally arranged leaves up to 30 cm long. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas, and is found in moist open habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Costus scaber is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a natural dye and as an ingredient in perfumes.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: Costus scaber has yellow flowers that are funnel-shaped and have five petals. Seed: The seeds of Costus scaber are small, round and brown. Seedlings: The seedlings of Costus scaber are small and thin with two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus scaber is a perennial herb that is native to South America. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°F. It can be grown in containers or in the garden. It is best to water the plant deeply and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
Where to Find Costus scaber
Costus scaber can be found in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
Costus scaber FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus scaber?
Costus scaber
What is the common name of Costus scaber?
Rough Spiral Ginger
What is the natural habitat of Costus scaber?
Dry, rocky hillsides
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,