Status:
valid
Authors:
K.Schum.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1929
Citation Micro:
Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 10: 708 (1929)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363027
Common Names
- Costus fortalezae
- Fortalezae Spiral Ginger
- Red Spiral Ginger
Description
Costus fortalezae (also called 'Fortaleza Cane', among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to South America. It has a clumping habit and is covered in bright yellow flowers. It is found in moist, shady areas and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Costus fortalezae is used as an ornamental plant, for its aesthetic value and for its medicinal properties. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Costus fortalezae is a yellow-green, three-lobed flower with a hairy calyx. The seed is a small, dark brown nutlet. The seedlings are small, hairy, and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus fortalezae is a tropical plant native to South America and Central America. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 1-2 meters. It has a thick, woody stem and large, bright green leaves. The plant produces yellow flowers in clusters at the end of the stem. Propagation is done by division of the rhizomes or by stem cuttings. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It is tolerant of drought and will tolerate some shade.
Where to Find Costus fortalezae
Costus fortalezae is native to Central and South America.
Costus fortalezae FAQ
What are the common names of Costus fortalezae?
Costus fortalezae is commonly known as Fortaleza Spiral Ginger.
What is the growth habit of Costus fortalezae?
Costus fortalezae is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial that grows in a clumping habit.
What are the light requirements of Costus fortalezae?
Costus fortalezae prefers partial to full shade.
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,