Status:
valid
Authors:
(Jacq.) Sw.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1788
Citation Micro:
Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. : 11 (1788)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363620
Common Names
- Costus spicatus
- Spiked Spiral Flag
- Spiked Costus
Synonyms
- Alpinia spicata Jacq. [valid]
- Amomum petiolatum Lam. [valid]
- Costus conicus Stokes [illegitimate]
- Costus cylindricus Jacq. [unknown]
- Costus micranthus Gagnep. [unknown]
- Costus quartus Roem. & Schult. [unknown]
Description
Costus spicatus (also called spiked 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 spicatus is used as an ornamental plant, for medicinal purposes, and for erosion control.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Costus spicatus is a bright yellow-orange color with a white center. The seed is a small, dark brown bean-like seed. The seedlings are small, with bright green leaves and a white stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus spicatus 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 spicatus
Costus spicatus can be found in tropical regions of South America and Africa.
Costus spicatus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus spicatus?
Costus spicatus
What is the common name of Costus spicatus?
Spiked costus
What type of plant is Costus spicatus?
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,