Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Costus lucanusianus

Costus lucanusianus is another of the spiral ginger group.  These plants have thin stems that grow nearly vertical with little spiraling of the leaves.  Their mature height is about 6-8 feet.  The bracts on the cone structure are open (not tightly compressed).  Flowers emerge one or two at a time from the bracts, and last only a day.  Unlike many other Costus, this species will produce two flowers per bract.  The individual flowers are one inch to 1 1/2 inches across and have a thin, tissue-like texture.
Costus lucanusianus is an African species and probably hardy only to USDA Zone 9B.

5 comments:

BernieH said...

Wow! I've been reading your Costus posts, Jim, but haven't left a comment until now. This one is just gorgeous. Costus are a fairly common sight here ... I have a couple myself ... but I've never seen this one before! This is going on my wish list! Thanks for sharing these beautiful plants.

Steve Asbell said...

That one is new to me! Just wanted you to know that I included a link to your last costus post on my facebook group.

Susan said...

The flower looks very similar to an orchid. Very pretty!

Heather at Dusty Bay said...

Interesting and beautiful plant - thanks for sharing!

Athena at Minerva's Garden said...

This is very beautiful--nothing I've ever seen before, but I garden in a very different climate from yours!