Status:
valid
Authors:
Roscoe
Source:
wcs
Year:
1807
Citation Micro:
Trans. Linn. Soc. London 8: 350 (1807)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363627
Common Names
- Costus spiralis
- Spiral Flag
- Spiral Costus
Synonyms
- Alpinia spiralis Jacq. [valid]
- Amomum spirale (Jacq.) Steud. [valid]
- Gissanthe spiralis Salisb. [unknown]
- Costus spiralis pisonis Griseb. [unknown]
Description
Costus spiralis (also called spiral 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 spiralis is used as an ornamental plant, for medicinal purposes, and for erosion control.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Costus spiralis var. spiralis
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Costus spiralis is a bright yellow color and is shaped like a cone. The seed is a small, dark brown bean-like shape. The seedlings are thin and have a white-gray stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus spiralis 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 spiralis
Costus spiralis can be found in tropical regions of South America and Africa.
Costus spiralis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus spiralis?
Costus spiralis
What is the common name of Costus spiralis?
Spiral Ginger
What is the natural habitat of Costus spiralis?
Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests
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,