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Costus varzearum

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial

Biogeography

Native Distribution Northern Brazil
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Rhizomatous herb to 1m tall
Foliage Leaves dark green above, purplish red below.
Flowers Corolla cream - pale yellow, lip yellow with reddish orange - reddish brown markings

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade
Water Preference Lots of Water, Moderate Water, Occasional Misting
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Pest(s) Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting, Division

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green, Purple, Red
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Yellow / Golden, Brown, Cream / Off-White, Red
Flower Texture(s) Thin
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Flowering Period Free-Flowering

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 579
Species ID 1874
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.
Species record last updated on: 14 October 2021.
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