

Costus
Botanical name: Costus
Costus
Botanical name: Costus


Description

Spiral ginger are flowering perennials that are characterized by their spiraling stems and spirally arranged leaves, which is how they got their common name. This is the main feature that differ costus from true gingers (Zingiber spp.). These plants are widely spread throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas. Some of the species in the genus are important food sources for rare caterpillars, such as the restricted demon *(Notocrypta curvifascia).*


Species of Costus


Costus tonkinensis
Growing on forest floors in tropical rainforests, costus tonkinensis is a tall-stemmed, perennial herb with bright yellow flowers that grow straight from its rhizome, and unusual spirally twisted branches. Though relatively rare, it is sometimes available in plant nurseries.

Spiral ginger
Costus spiralis is a plant species native to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Costus spiralis is also known as spiral ginger and grows best in full sun to partial shade. Costus spiralis attracts bees and butterflies.

Spiral-ginger
Spiral ginger are flowering perennials that are characterized by their spiraling stems and spirally arranged leaves, which is how they got their common name. This is the main feature that differ spiral-ginger from true gingers (Zingiber spp.). These plants are widely spread throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas. Some of the species in the genus are important food sources for rare caterpillars, such as the restricted demon (Notocrypta curvifascia).

Red button ginger
Red button ginger, or Costus woodsonii, is a tender perennial suitable for warmer, tropical areas. Its scarlet cone is highly attractive to butterflies and bees. If kept above 10 ℃, red button ginger will bloom continuously.

African spiral flag
African spiral flag is traditionally gathered wildly to be used medicinally among its native communities in western Africa. It is also known to hold religious and ceremonial significance, having been used in traditional practices for a long time. African spiral flag nowadays is grown ornamentally in North and South America because of its unique form and colors.

Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger is a critically endangered perennial herb that is endemic to Costa Rica. This ginger blooms gorgeous red and yellow flowers that are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Each flower only lasts one day but is continuously replaced, giving the illusion of long-lasting blooms.

Costus montanus
Spiral ginger are flowering perennials that are characterized by their spiraling stems and spirally arranged leaves, which is how they got their common name. This is the main feature that differ costus montanus from true gingers (Zingiber spp.). These plants are widely spread throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas. Some of the species in the genus are important food sources for rare caterpillars, such as the restricted demon (Notocrypta curvifascia).

Spiral ginger
Spiral ginger are flowering perennials that are characterized by their spiraling stems and spirally arranged leaves, which is how they got their common name. This is the main feature that differ spiral ginger from true gingers (Zingiber spp.). These plants are widely spread throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas. Some of the species in the genus are important food sources for rare caterpillars, such as the restricted demon (Notocrypta curvifascia).

Costus spectabilis
Costus spectabilis, commonly known as the yellow trumpet, is an African, gregarious species of herb; low and perennial, it is found from Sierra Leone to Sudan to as far south as Angola and Zimbabwe.




Scientific Classification
