Costus barbatus, also known as spiral ginger, is a perennial plant with a red inflorescence. It is one of the most commonly cultivated Costus species.

Spiral ginger
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Costaceae
Genus: Costus
Species:
C. barbatus
Binomial name
Costus barbatus

The foliage of Costus barbatus is dark green and fuzzy underneath. The long red inflorescences are complemented with bright yellow tubular flowers. Clumps spread easily and produce plants that normally get to six feet tall.

Costus barbatus is native to Costa Rica. Plants are pollinated by hummingbirds.[2] Costus barbatus are popular as cut flowers.

References edit

  1. ^ "Costus barbatus Suess". The Plant List. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  2. ^ Lee, David (2010). Nature's Palette: The Science of Plant Color. University of Chicago Press. p. 193. ISBN 978-0-226-47105-1. Retrieved 14 July 2013.