Costus sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Costus are easilly distinguished from other commonly cultivated gingers because the leaves spiral around the main stem like a circular stairway. In fact they are called Spiral Gingers. The Costus species are rich and varied in form, flower and growing conditions. There are short mounding forms, spreading forms and upright forms.

Similar plants:

• Costus afer (Spiral Ginger)
• Costus arabicus variegata, Costus amazonicus variegata (Variegated Spiral Ginger)
• Costus erythrophyllus (Ox Blood Costus, Red Wine Costus)
• Costus fissiligulatus (African Princess, Spiral Ginger, Cameroon Costus)
• Costus igneus, Chamaecostus cuspidatus (Insulin Plant, Fiery Costus, Spiral Flag)
• Costus lucanusianus (African Spiral Flag)
• Costus malortieanus (Stepladder Ginger)
• Costus productus (Costus)
• Costus speciosus, Cheilocostus speciosus (Crepe Ginger)
• Costus spicatus, Alpinia spicata (Red Button Ginger, Spiked Spiralflag, French Kiss)