Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw., Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. 11 1788. (syn: Alpinia spicata Jacq.; Amomum petiolatum Lam.; Costus conicus Stokes [Illegitimate]; Costus cylindricus Jacq.; Costus micranthus Gagnep.; Costus quartus Roem. & Schult. [Invalid]);
Costus spicatus, also known as Spiked Spirlaflag Ginger or Indian Head Ginger, is a species of herbaceous plant in the Costaceae family (also sometimes placed in Zingiberaceae).[1] Costus spicatus is native to the Caribbean, (including Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Puerto Rico).[1][2][3]
Costus spicatus leaves grow to a length of approximately 1 foot and a width of approximately 4 inches. It produces a short red cone, from which red-orange flowers emerge one at a time.[4]
Costus spicatus will grow in full sun if it is kept moist. It reaches a maximum height of about 6 to 7 feet.[4]
Costus spicatus can develop a symbiotic partnership with certain species of ants (often only a single species of ant will be compatible). The ants are provided with a food source (nectar in C. spicatus flowers) as well as a place to construct a nest. In turn, the ants protect developing seeds from herbivorous insects.[4]
(From Wikipedia on 3.9.14)
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight :: Zingiberaceae :: Zingiber zerumbet from Mumbai :: ARKAUG-50 : 8 posts by 5 authors. Attachments (1).
Attached is a picture of Zingiber zerumbet captured at Mumbai in January 2013.
Requested to please validate the ID.
This is probably not Zingiber zerumbet, it should be some species of Costus ?
Yes Costus sp.
It seems the insulin plant Costus igneus.
Thanks … for the feedback….
C. igneus has yellow flowers. Is it any of Costus woodsonii or C. spicatus?
It is Costus spicatus
Araceae, Arecaceae and Zingiberaceae Fortnight: August 1 to 14, 2014 : Costus woodsonii : Mumbai : 300814 : AK-113 : 1 post by 1 author. Attachments (4).
Pictures taken at Hiranandani Gardens, Powai during TAW in Feb,2014.
It appears like images of Costus spicatus (Cultivated) posted by …. from Mumbai & as identified by …
Pl. confirm.
This name was given in the list of Tree Appreciation Walks, where I saw the plant.
Hope to get the correct name validated.
Yes. He is correct. Thanks to you and … for validation. I take it as Costus spicatus?
Yes pl.
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