Costus sp.

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.

Species and varieties:

Costus afer

Costus amazonica variegata

Costus curvibracteatus

Costus guanaiensis

Costus lasius

Costus longibracteolatus

Costus lucanusianus

Costus malortieanus

Costus nudicaulis

Costus productus

Costus pulverulentus

Costus scaber

Costus speciosus

Costus spicatus

Costus tappenbeckianus

Costus vargasii

Costus varzearum

Costus villosissimus

Costus woodsonii

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 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)
• Costus stenophyllus (Bamboo Costus)