Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Zingiberales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
laevis
ID:
363782

Status:
valid

Authors:
Ruiz & Pav.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1798

Citation Micro:
Fl. Peruv. 1: 3 (1798)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363114

Common Names

  • Costus Laevis
  • Smooth Costus
  • Smooth Spiral Ginger

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Synonyms

  • Costus cylindricus pulcherrimus K.Schum. [unknown]
  • Costus giganteus Kuntze [illegitimate]
  • Costus kuntzei K.Schum. [unknown]
  • Costus maximus K.Schum. [illegitimate]
  • Costus pulcherrimus Kuntze [unknown]
  • Costus skutchii C.V.Morton [unknown]
  • Costus splendens Donn.Sm. & Türckh. [unknown]
  • Costus weberbaueri Loes. [unknown]

Description

Costus laevis (also called Smooth Costus, Smooth Ginger, and Smooth Spiral Ginger, among many other common names) is a perennial native to tropical Asia. It has large, yellow flowers and grows in moist, shady areas. It is often found in rainforests and moist woodlands.

Uses & Benefits

Costus laevis is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, as a source of fuelwood, and as a source of timber for construction and furniture.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The Costus laevis has a bright yellow flower, with a long, slender seed pod that contains small, black seeds. The seedlings are small, with green leaves and a single, central stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Costus laevis is a tropical perennial plant that is easy to grow and propagate. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by division or by stem cuttings. Division should be done in spring or early summer. Stem cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and planted in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cuttings should root in a few weeks.

Where to Find Costus laevis

Costus laevis is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Veracruz.

Costus laevis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Costus laevis?

Costus laevis

What type of plant is Costus laevis?

It is a species of flowering plant in the ginger family

Where is Costus laevis found?

It is native to Mexico and Central America

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-234665: Based on the initial data import
Hipólito Ruiz López (1754-1816): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Ruiz' in the authors string.
José Antonio Pavón (1754-1840): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Pav.' in the authors string.