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Costus phyllocephalus
| Family Name: | Costaceae |
| Synonyms: | Costus fissiligulatus |
| Common Name: | African Princess, Cameroon Costus, Cameroon Pink 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 | Nigeria to SW. Uganda and N. Zambia |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a spiral ginger which grows about 1.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Its leaves are green and narrowly ovate, spirally arranged on the stem. The ligule is membranous, splitting into two unequal lobes. |
| Flowers | Its terminal inflorescence is ovoid to globose. The bracts are green and has one flower each. Its flowers are trumpet-shaped, pink with yellow throat. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting (Flowers) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Division |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 33605 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8019 |
| 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. |
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