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Tapeinochilos dahlii K.Schum.
| Family Name: | Costaceae |
| Common Name: | Black Backscratcher Ginger, Black Costus, Black Wax Ginger |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Bismarck Archipelago |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a tall herbaceous plant with bamboo-like pseudostems. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves grow on spiral stems, narrowly elliptic. |
| Flowers | The terminal inflorescence have dark-red to almost black recurved bracts. The true flowers are yellow to orange colored. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Black |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31646 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6045 |
| 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. |
