Status:
valid
Authors:
K.Schum.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1892
Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 15: 422 (1892)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363618
Common Names
- Costus spectabilis
- Showy Spiral Flag
- Showy Costus
Synonyms
- Cadalvena dalzielii C.H.Wright [unknown]
- Cadalvena pistiifolia Baker [unknown]
- Cadalvena spectabilis Fenzl [unknown]
- Costus pistiifolius K.Schum. [unknown]
- Kaempferia spectabilis (Fenzl) Baker [valid]
- Kaempferia spectabilis Bentham & H [deprecated]
Description
Costus spectabilis (also called showy costus, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Costaceae family. It is native to Central and South America. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, tropical and subtropical moist montane forests, and tropical and subtropical dry forests.
Uses & Benefits
Costus spectabilis is used as an ornamental plant, for medicinal purposes, and for erosion control.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Costus spectabilis has yellow flowers with a white center, and its seeds are small and black. Its seedlings have long, narrow leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus spectabilis is an evergreen perennial that grows up to 1 m tall. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn and should be covered lightly with soil. Division should be done in spring or autumn.
Where to Find Costus spectabilis
Costus spectabilis can be found in tropical regions of South America and Africa.
Costus spectabilis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus spectabilis?
Costus spectabilis
What is the common name of Costus spectabilis?
Showy costus
What type of plant is Costus spectabilis?
Ginger plant
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,