Costus afer

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  • Herbarium No: UPH NO.241
  • Costus afer
  • Ker Gawl.
  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Costus afer
  • Genus: Costus
  • Synonym: Costus anomocalyx K.Schum.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Spiral Ginger
  • Family: Zingaberaceae
  • Botanical Description: Costus afer is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). It forms clumps and spreads by rhizomes. The plant features soft, thick, succulent stems that spiral at the base, giving the plant its common name of Spiral Ginger. The leaves are large, oblong or elliptic, and can be quite broad. They are arranged spirally around the stem, creating a distinctive pattern. The leaves are smooth and glossy, generally dark green in color, sometimes with a lighter green or variegated underside. The inflorescence is a dense, cone-like spike typically emerging from the top of the stem. The flowers are usually bright red or pink and are covered by bright, colorful bracts that may be red, yellow, or green. The actual flowers are small and emerge one at a time from the protective bracts, usually during the warmer months. Flowering usually occurs during the rainy season, which in tropical climates can span various months depending on the location. The plant produces small, three-valved capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds. Seeds are typically dispersed by birds or washed away by rainwater.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers from May to September.Fruiting of Costus afer to occur around September to November.
  • Plant Uses: Medicinal Uses(Herbal Remedies, Wound Healing & Antimicrobial Properties), Ornamental Uses and Edible Uses.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: Isiokpo Ikwerre L.g.a Rivers State.
  • Habit: Herb
  • Mode: Wild

Location on the map