Status:
valid
Authors:
Maas
Source:
wcs
Year:
1972
Citation Micro:
Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 8: 119 (1972)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000363223
Common Names
- Costus montanus
- Mountain Costus
- Montanus Costus
Description
Costus montanus (also called Mountain Spiral Flag, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Central America. It is found in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests and moist montane forests. It has a large spiral inflorescence with a yellow bract and white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Costus montanus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural dye for fabrics. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and headaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Costus montanus has bright yellow flowers with a red center and a yellow-green seed capsule. The seeds are black and the seedlings are bright green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Costus montanus can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn in a well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early autumn and rooted in a light, sandy soil. Once established, the plant can be propagated by division.
Where to Find Costus montanus
Costus montanus can be found in Central America and South America.
Costus montanus FAQ
What is the scientific name of Costus montanus?
Costus montanus
What is the common name of Costus montanus?
Mountain Spiral Ginger
What is the natural habitat of Costus montanus?
Costus montanus is found in tropical rainforests of Central and South 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,