Monographs Details:
Authority:

Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.
Family:

Costaceae
Scientific Name:

Costus
Description:

Genus Description - Stout herbs; ligule truncate to 2-lobed. Bracts coriaceous or chartaceous, with or without appendages, each bearing one flower. Bracteole split to base or tubular. Flowers: calyx small, rarely exceeding bracts; labellum small and tubular or large and spreading. Capsules white, crowned by persistent calyx. Seeds black, aril white.