Status:
valid
Authors:
Gagnep.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1902
Citation Micro:
Bull. Soc. Bot. France 49: 248 (1902)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363690
Common Names
- Costus tonkinensis
- Tonkin's Costus
- Costus of Tonkin
Description
Costus tonkinensis (also called Tonkin 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 tonkinensis 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
The flower of Costus tonkinensis 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 tonkinensis can be propagated by division or cuttings. For division, carefully dig up the plant and divide it into several sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. For cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem and plant in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Where to Find Costus tonkinensis
Costus tonkinensis can be found in tropical regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Costus tonkinensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus tonkinensis?
Costus tonkinensis
What type of plant is Costus tonkinensis?
Herb
Where is Costus tonkinensis found?
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,