Genus of flowering plants
Costus is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Costaceae, erected by Linnaeus in 1753. It is widespread through tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
"Costus" is often characterized and distinguished from relatives such as "Zingiber" (true ginger) by its spiraling stems. The genus as a whole is thus often called spiral gingers, but this can also refer to "C. barbatus" specifically. It is important not to confuse "Costus scaber", "C. spectabilis" etc. with the herb known by the common name "costus".
"Costus spectabilis" is the floral emblem of Nigeria; its flowers are represented (erroneously in red instead of yellow color) on its coat of arms.
"Costus productus" and "Costus guanaiensis" are among the species of "Costus" with edible flowers. Other "Costus" species' flowers have also been determined to be edible.
Some "Costus" species have traditional medicinal and veterinary uses. For example, in Trinidad and Tobago, a mix of "Costus scaber" juice and crushed "Renealmia alpinia" berries is used to treat dogs bitten by snakes.
"Costus" naturally hybridizes, and commercial hybrids have also been produced.
Species.
As of  2024[ [update]], Plants of the World Online recognises 115 species, as follows:
Numerous other species have been called "Costus" over the years, but are now regarded as members of other genera. Such genera include "Alpinia", "Amomum", "Caulokaempferia", "Cheilocostus", "Chamaecostus", "Dimerocostus", "Hellenia", "Paracostus", "Renealmia", "Tapeinochilos", etc.
References.
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