Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 2 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000362855
Common Names
- Costus Arabicus
- Arabic Costus
- Arabic Spiral Ginger
Synonyms
- Costus arrabidae Steud. [unknown]
- Costus brasiliensis K.Schum. [unknown]
- Costus discolor Roscoe [unknown]
- Costus glabratus Sw. [unknown]
- Costus gracilis Loes. [unknown]
- Costus niveopurpureus Jacq. [unknown]
- Costus niveus G.Mey. [unknown]
- Costus pilgeri K.Schum. [unknown]
- Costus pubescens S.Moore [unknown]
- Costus pubescens fibrillosa Loes. [unknown]
- Costus ramosus Woodson in A.C.Sm. [unknown]
- Costus sextus Roem. & Schult. [unknown]
- Costus spiralis hirsutus Petersen [unknown]
- Costus validus Loes. [unknown]
- Costus verschaffeltianus Lem. [unknown]
- Costus glabratus niveopurpureus (Jacq.) Petersen [unknown]
- Alpinia arabica (L.) M.R.Almeida [deprecated]
- Costus verschaffeltii Lem. [unknown]
Description
Costus arabicus (also called Arabian Spiral-flag, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It grows in grassy areas, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. It has spirally arranged leaves and yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Costus arabicus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a food source for livestock. It is also used medicinally to treat various ailments such as fever, colds, and digestive problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Costus arabicus is yellow and has five petals. The seed is small and round. The seedlings are slender and have a single leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus arabicus is a tropical perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. Water regularly and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Where to Find Costus arabicus
Costus arabicus is native to tropical Africa and can be found in moist, shady areas such as forests and swamps.
Costus arabicus FAQ
What is the ideal soil type for Costus arabicus?
Costus arabicus prefers well-drained, sandy, loamy soils.
How much sunlight does Costus arabicus need?
Costus arabicus prefers full sun to partial shade.
What is the ideal temperature for Costus arabicus?
Costus arabicus prefers temperatures between 50-85°F (10-29°C).
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,