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Cheilocostus speciosus 'Variegatus'
| Family Name: | Costaceae |
| Synonyms: | Costus speciosus 'Variegatus' |
| Common Name: | Variegated Spiral Ginger, 班叶闭鞘姜 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 1.8 m to 2.4 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.9 m to 1.2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Of horticultural origin |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Spiral ginger to 2m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves with cream/white stripes |
| Flowers | Flowers white, to 8cm across |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Flowers |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | Can be used as a focal plant or a low hedge to screen off unsightly areas. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Stems |
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Occasional Misting, Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | Is less vigorous in growth in comparison with the all green form. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, White, Cream / Off-White |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Venation | Parallel |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Cuneate |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth, Thin |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant - Remarks | Flowers only last a couple days. |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red, Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 576 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1871 |
| 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. |
