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Costus dubius (Afzel.) K.Schum.
| Family Name: | Costaceae |
| Synonyms: | Costus albus A.Chev. ex Koechlin, Costus edulis De Wild. & T. Durand, Costus trachyphyllus K.Schum., Costus zechii K.Schum. |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herb to 2m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Juvenile leaves glossy green, glabrous. Mature leaves dull dark green. |
| Flowers | Infloresence borne basally, on separate leafless shoots. Flowers white, lip with yellow markings in center. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: In Guinea, the leaves and stems of this species are used in the treatment of cough, and is also thought to have antipox properties. Others: In its native habitat, the young leaves and stems are a source of food for the West African Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ssp. verus) |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Glossy / Shiny |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth, Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31082 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5471 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
